Pam Ford Davis

Say cheese and pose for a Christmas snapshot; pucker up and stand beneath mistletoe with your sweetheart! The greenery gives us extra incentive to express our affection and create new Christmas memories.

I’m glad I don’t need to wait until December rolls around to smooch with my sweetie. It would be sad to have to depend on something found hanging from trees to create a romantic mood. We can steal kisses anytime.

Christmas is a time of great celebration! Why not share a few holy kisses? “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ (1 Peter 5:14 NAS).” We are one big happy family and we are free to sprinkle kisses on those we hold dear.

Pam Ford Davis

Optimism is a rare characteristic in our world of stark reality and disappointments. We become cynical and dark clouds conceal the possibilities that lay before us. I am the proud wife of a man whose favorite phrase may be, “It has potential.” Together we view a rundown shack; I see devastation but he sees a dream.

I proudly serve a God who looks beyond our failures to potential. Peter talked the talk but tripped over his faltering feet as he failed to walk the walk. The man who boasted of never deserting his Lord blundered and betrayed him. Jesus saw past the Big Fisherman’s upcoming pitiful performance to potential. The Holy Spirit would transform Peter from deserter to devotee. He would return to encourage and lead others.

“I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me (Luke 22:31 NCV).” Jesus prayed for Peter, shining rays of mercy and grace revealed potential beneath a man who would soon cower in fear. The Lord would call Peter to serve as caretaker of the flock. He proved his love for the Master through service and ministry and faithfully fed the lambs and sheep. Jesus is an eternal optimist….  

Pam Ford Davis

His name is wonderful; his blessings are without number and words cannot express our thankfulness and praise. Children love to share the latest news with their friends; as God’s children we can be just as eager to praise him in prayer and brag on him to others.

How can I find the right words? King David, writer of many of the Psalms had the gift of expressing what I feel. I share his emotional highs and lows, questions and confidence, desire his honesty and intimacy with the Father.

“Praise the Lord! Servants of the Lord, praise him! Praise the Lord’s name. May the Lord’s name be praised now and forever. May the Lord’s name be praised from where the sun rises to where it goes down (Psalm 113:1-3 ERV).”

Pam Ford Davis

In the days of large families, guest rooms were a luxury only for the wealthy. Hosts vacated their room for out of town visitors and slept on the sofa. Today many middle- class homeowners have sufficient space for the family and a guest room as well. If unexpected company drops by, the host needs little time to present a warm welcome in the designated room.

Imagine the role of preparing a guest room for the Lord Jesus… “Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there (Mark 14:14-15 NIV).”

Praise and prayer prepare the way for Jesus to enter the guest room in our hearts. He dwells in our adoration; confession through prayer removes sins residue, allowing Christ to enter a cleansed home. We must not occupy his room, be sure to leave the door open and leave the light of his word inside. We have the privilege of preparing a guestroom for the King of Kings!

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…

Pam Ford Davis

“There is a rattlesnake in our house!” The woman’s voice was wild and nearly incoherent; the one at the other end of the line had to pass the phone to his wife in hopes she could understand. He heard her say “snake” and he headed to his pickup truck to go on search and rescue. He rushed to the home of his son and daughter-in-law with a plan of action. Step one: Search for the snake and destroy it. Step two: Rescue his frantic daughter-in-law.

The search and rescue story had a happy ending. They killed the snake and removed it from the house; a deadly serpent did not harm his innocent victim. The young woman had good reason to fear snakes; many carry deadly poisonous venom. Her ancestor Eve could have used a good dose of fright when she first caught sight of the snake in the garden. “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord had made (Genesis 3:1a NKJ).”

A rattler used cunning to devise a way to invade the security of a well-constructed house. The Serpent Satan pulled out all his tools of deception and placed doubts in the mind of Eve in attempts to persuade her to doubt God’s words and eat from the forbidden fruit. Sadly, it had a tragic ending; she yielded to temptation and Adam followed in her deadly steps. If only Eve would have called out for help…. “There is a serpent in God’s garden!”

Pam Ford Davis

Last week I was driving alone to town on an errand; it was a sunny autumn day and I made a turn from one rural road to another and noticed the sun off to my left in my peripheral vision. I felt the warmth of the rays on my face and neck and had one of those rare moments where God gave me a sneak peek into his storehouse of wisdom. The sun was there but it was not what I focused on; my eyes were on the road.

Jesus is with me always yet I direct my attention to the pathway of priorities I place above his presence. Do I sacrifice communion with Him and settle for awareness of Him in my peripheral vision? He wants my undivided attention. “And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete (Hebrews 12:1b-2a CEV).” The Lord will not allow me to run off the road; I choose to focus on him. He will bathe me in the warmth of his love.

Pam Ford Davis

The palm of my hand serves me well; it is quite small and yet I can grasp items, make a fist and securely hold what I placed within my cupped hand. My favorite snacks of “M&M’s” or nuts are handy for bite size munching. The small area limits my intake but my Lord knows best the amounts I need to hold in my hand.

He holds the whole world in His hands! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10 NKJ).” He is the rightful owner to all that surrounds me. “For the world is Mine, and all its fullness (Psalms 50:12b NKJ).” I value what I place in my hands; God places far greater worth on you and me.

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10: 28-29 NKJ).” The hands that created man and woman are our haven of rest…  

Pam Ford Davis

We prefer sporadic times alone to gather our thoughts, reflect and unwind. Solitude is a good thing; isolation has a darker side. Two circumstances come to mind. First, a doctor makes a diagnosis of an extremely contagious disease, fears an epidemic, and orders a quarantine of the patient. Second, a prison warden corrects an unruly inmate through drastic measures by solitary confinement.

I link confinement to punishment… A parent confines their child in their room to teach the misbehaving girl or boy a lesson or zoo officials confine dangerous animals to cages. Why would I consciously cut myself off from the interaction and support of others and place myself in isolation? Could it be an attempt to punish myself or am I using invisible barriers as a means of protection from dangers of hurt and disappointment?

John the Baptist met disappointment behind the isolation of prison walls. In his separation from friends, doubts surfaced about Jesus. Was He the Lamb of God he had proclaimed, the long awaited Messiah?  He sent word to Jesus for affirmation. “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else (Luke 7:19b HCS)?” This incident serves as a warning; if John a paragon of belief floundered in his faith during confinement, I may succumb too. Isolation has ramifications.   

Pam Ford Davis

We respect our parents and value their opinions; the prudent treasure fatherly advice when shared by a wise and loving dad. Many of our parents have learned valuable lessons through the school of hard knocks; they are eager to warn us of dangers in our path.

Wisdom seekers find jewels in the book of Proverbs; chapter three has a tone of fatherly advice. “My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. They will help you live a long and prosperous life (Proverbs 3:1-2 CEV).”

We spend billions grasping for a long and prosperous life. Should we heed the scripture? “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV).”

I often find barriers on life’s road; I stumble and fall. Our loving Father comforts me with his promises to both lead and clear obstructions from my way. Worries and fears may become insurmountable roadblocks; he pulverizes them! Father, I welcome your advice.

Pam Ford Davis

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said; ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour (Matthew 9:20-22 NKJ).”

I visualize this woman’s medical chart… “Diagnosis: Severe Anemia and Chronic Depression.” Doctors had been unable to offer her relief and she found faith in Jesus as her away of escape from illness and entrance to restored health. She did not want to approach him directly and formed a plan of merely touching the hem of His garment. She came to understand touching the hem instantaneously touched His heart. He heard her unspoken prayer and proclaimed words of encouragement and healing.

The flow of blood ceased. Jesus released a rivers flow of living water!

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Sprit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:38-39 NKJ).”

The unidentified woman would one day experience the full benefits of living water; ripples of peace sealed His promise.

Pam Ford Davis

I viewed many great detective movies of the 1940’s; writers webbed suspenseful plots, raising my interest and holding my attention captive. Just as bad guys shadowed the western heroes, illusive foes followed private eyes. An investigator walked down city sidewalks late at night and heard the eerie sounds of footsteps trailing behind. I nearly jumped out of my seat when they met face to face.

Am I always aware that I am not alone? Do I need to fear as I feel the presence of another approaching from behind? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalms 23:6 RSV).” The Shepherd leads me and his blessings of goodness and mercy protect my back; I run into his house of refuge, secure and safe under the shadow of his wings. (Psalm 17:8b)

Pam Ford Davis

I waste my time in any imaginations of being a beauty to behold; I guess I am not in danger of breaking any mirrors or cameras as I pose but am not a portrait painter’s dream for glory either. Photographers will not be placing candid snapshots of me in their portfolio in hopes of advancement and passersby likely give me a second glance. Poor pitiful Pam.

What is beauty? Is it face-paint or skin deep? “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him (Isaiah 53:2 NRS).” How could I be so blind? I do not gaze upon beauty in a mirror reflection or see it revealed on a model’s runway; beauty is soul deep.

Pam Ford Davis

I change my desktop pictures on a regular basis choosing from free pictures, scriptures references and quotes available on the Internet. I enjoy the encouragement and spiritual lift from viewing the computer screen throughout the day. Flowers are a frequent choice and I most often choose those with bright pink blossoms.

After placing a beautiful picture of pink flowers on my desktop today, something aside from the pink petals caught my eye. Many of the leaves are unsightly; they are ragged and even have gaping holes. They are in sharp contrast to the delicate beauty of the blossoms. It makes me wonder if the photographer hesitated in printing the picture.

My portrait resembles the desktop picture. God has blessed me so and I am blooming where He has planted; yet many storms have battered my life and there are telltale signs of days beaten by the elements. I would rather not put those disfigurements on public display but they complete the picture. I hope the fragrance of the blossoms will overshadow the scars of aging. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved (2 Corinthians 2:15a NAS).”

Pam Ford Davis

I seem to be playing a nonstop game of catch-up. My need-to, want-to, must-do and can-do lists do not match up. I set priorities and deadlines only to break them and feel defeated by my own rules. I believe it’s time to call in a referee!

God always ties up the loose ends. “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians1:6 NKJ).” I am grateful that He does not walk away until I am more like His Son. He sets the deadline and He will meet it! “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10 NKJ).”  He can-do!

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!

Pam Ford Davis

Are you past the hand-holding stage? I fondly remember the days of infatuation and boys beginning our relationship first with affectionate glances followed by hand-holding.  As two, we were linked by touch and others present saw us as a couple. Is it merely an outward display of endearment or does it hold far more?

Hand-holding did not begin in puppy love but at birth. Mom and Dad held my hand and counted fingers. As I grew to toddler stage, they held my hand as I walked at their side, guiding and protecting me from danger. If I rebelled against their authority, they held my hand with correction.

Hand-holding took on a new dimension in my first experiences of death and grieving. People quietly came to my side, held my hand, extended love, comfort and encouragement. They will never know how much I needed that act of kindness and tenderness.

Jesus, take my hand. “When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand (Psalms 37:24 NAS).”

Pam Ford Davis

I did not recall The Threepenny Opera, but it birthed the song Mack the Knife which became a popular recording for Louis Armstrong and a #1 hit record for Bobby Darin in 1959. I sang along to lyrics with little thought to the meaning of the song. Today, the title is a springboard to someone I knew and loved.

Mac the Sword, Reverend Mac Forbes  served the Lord as a dedicated pastor up until the time of his death, wielding the word of God as a tool of testimony. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17 NAS).” He stood upon the bedrock authority of God’s infallible word as he humbly filled the pulpit answering God’s calling to preach Jesus crucified, buried and resurrected.

Brother Mac loved his Lord and shared that love with those he met as freely as the forgiveness of sin he had received. His warm smile and Alabama southern drawl had a way of soothing a soul and stirring a hungry heart. Mac stood on his convictions and saw potential in young men in his midst. Through his influence and mentoring, Alabama has a group characterized as Mac’s preacher boys, who carry on in his footsteps.

He once served in Pioneer Missions work in New York State, not very far from my birthplace and we shared a love for the people in the central New York State rural areas. He told the story of leaving that productive work following a heart attack, returning to Alabama with his wife and children to ease his beloved’s concerns. Part of his heart remained in the Empire State…

“Mac, I’ll never forget you and hope to be worthy of our Lord as I live by the power of the sword.”

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NAS).”  

Pam Ford Davis

How can I be sure what people say is truth? I hear many statements from opinionated people, but I would be a fool if I believed they were all true. News channels carry segments where the anchor is interviewing several people all at the same time; it begins with a pointed question, then it becomes a shouting match. Is that informative? Each person believes he or she alone is sharing the truth of the matter, and all others are just spouting error.

I am so grateful that God reveals truth. He does not want me confused or misled by false teachers and has given me the inside story. Jesus prepared his disciples for his death, burial, resurrection and ascension. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you (John 16:12-14 NIV).”

The Holy Spirit is a good listener; he hears the Father and Son’s spoken word and whispers it in our ear. It is not rumor or opinion; the message is truth. I pray for guidance. He is here. What am I waiting for? “Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me eaves-drop on your conversation with the disciples. I want the Spirit of truth to guide me on lighted paths; place my hand in his and open my ears to his still, small voice. In your name, I pray. Amen.”       

Pam Ford Davis

It is far easier to begin many projects than it is to finish. If we are establishing a new business on pay as you go construction, it can be a slow tedious process. My husband put on both radio and television stations from scratch and I am well aware of the many difficulties that arise. Expenses are nearly impossible to estimate and out-of-pocket funding is painful.

Broadcast towers were one very visible sign that we were close to our goal. We could send the transmitter signal across our area at the flip of the transmitter switch. We located towers and hired a crew of professionals to raise them,  then anchor securely with guide wires. It involved a commitment of a large lump sum of cash. We had come so far, if we failed to get the stations on the air, competitors and residents would mock us.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30 NIV).” Jesus taught a relevant message; discipleship comes at a price of lifelong submission.

As a Christian,

I understand that when God cleans my heart,

I get closer and closer to Him.

But when sins, selfish attitudes and worldly cares,

Keeps me from getting closer to the Lord,

I lay aside the World’s weight,

For when I lay them aside,

I experience the inspiring joy,

Of a Christian

Who is close to the Lord.

 Convenient day planners make nice gifts and come in a variety of sizes and styles. I believe we have a market for hour planners as well. Maybe then we could squeeze in a fast lunch. Better yet, let’s do brunch, then I can combine two meals.          

Do things always go according to schedule? Of course they don’t. Interruptions and cancellations get everything off track; make sure you have an eraser handy. Could we try an experiment and boldly do a few things on the spur of the moment? Maybe we could mark one day of the week on our calendars with a big question mark. God might have some surprises in store. He controls time and will help us to use it wisely.

 “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this and that (James 4:13-15 NKJ).” Plan ahead, but leave room for God to pencil in divine appointments.

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.