Snowstorm in the South

By Judy Davis – 

The beauty of the snow surrounding our home was an unusual sight for those of us who live in the deep south. There were many people who enjoyed taking pictures of the pretty scenery. They put the photos on their Facebook pages to show the lovely wintry weather.

Only God could create something so magnificent. It was nice looking out my window at this beautiful creation. It brought to my mind how our sins were red as scarlet but now white as snow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV).

It was not so nice for those who were caught out in the midst of this storm. It stopped area commuters in their tracks forcing many to hunker down in cars overnight or seek other shelter. Helicopters were being used to spot stranded drivers so rescuers could get food and water to them. Abandoned cars were piled up on the interstate near Atlanta.

My friend was stuck right in the middle of all the traffic, and was keeping us informed of her storm adventure on Facebook. She wrote “Looking at the brighter side of things…I got a free night at a hotel hallway as the hotels were packed.” She shared how thankful she was for the nice people who handed out snacks and water and mentioned the importance of continued prayer for those who were still braving the elements. She was thrilled when she finally arrived home 24 hours later never to forget her adventure in the snowstorm stating, “I’m not going nowhere for a few days.”

PRAYER: Father, thank You for being with us when we face the many storms in our lives. Even during times of winter when all is cold and getting outside is difficult and challenging, the utter warmth of your love is such a comfort and blessing. May we be quick to respond with the right attitude and give thanks with a grateful heart. For no matter what we go through, You are always with us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).

Seeking Godly Wisdom

By Judy Davis –

When I complete a devotional, article or book, the first thing I do is take a look at it. Not just a quick look, but one that is long, concentrated and thorough. First, I look at the words as a whole and then I turn my attention to the details. Although I realize I am the author who created it, I need to look through the eyes of the reader. In other words, before I sign my name, I must be sure I am satisfied with it. If not, I need to make changes.

I’m in the final stages of completing my new book Happy New You Reading the Bible Through, a daily devotional. The idea to write this book came one morning as I was seeking Godly wisdom. May it encourage and inspire readers to read the Bible through each year and become all God desires for their lives. I did not take this lightly before writing as I have read the Bible through each year for over 20 years. My life has never been the same. I recently received the cover from the publisher to look at and make revisions if needed. I’ll be checking each page for any error before the book is published.

I do the same thing with my life. I go over what I’ve done, how I responded, and what I did that was creative as well as the things I didn’t handle as well as I should. The most important thing is to put God first each day; reflecting on changes we can make that will please Him. Pray and wait on His direction and He will lead us in the way we should go.

With the New Year here, it’s time to pause and take a long look at life. What did we accomplish last year? What will we accomplish this year?

“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then–have it your way.’” C. S. Lewis

PRAYER: Precious Lord, as we come into your presence may we turn our hearts towards you. Keep us by your power and guide us into 2014 full of your light, your love, and your spirit.

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV).

The Holiday Letter

By Judy Davis –

I enjoy sending Christmas cards each year to family and friends. In each card I place a carefully written letter of love. This newsletter lets them know what all we did in the year.

Starting out I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This year I mentioned how my husband and I both turned 70 on our birthdays and how we seemed to have celebrated all year.
My daughter and I went to New York City for a few days and had a great time shopping at Macys, eating delicious food, riding the subway, and seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and the Memorial at ground zero.

My husband and I went to Disney World in November with our son and his family (our three youngest grandsons). What a wonderful time to visit as the weather was beautiful and all the bright Christmas decorations were in every park. We also celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary during the year.

Before I finished the letter the doctor had found a spot on my husband’s lung and he had to have a needle biopsy. He had a set back as his lung collapsed and he had to stay in the hospital for a week. A few days after the biopsy, the doctor walked into his room grinning and said “Looks like you have a guardian angel sitting on your shoulder. Your biopsy came back and shows no cancer.” We both were so happy to hear this good news. It was an infection and being treated with antibiotics. I added this good report to my letter.

It’s always nice to hear from our family and friends especially during the holidays. As I closed I shared that we were praying the New Year is a year of even greater things! At the bottom of my stationery I noticed the following words were written in bold “Good news of great joy for all people” with a tiny picture of a manger with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

PRAYER: Father, we humble ourselves under your mighty hand for we have seen a miracle not only in my husband’s life, but the greatest miracle is Jesus Christ, the Son of God who lives in our hearts.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10 NIV).

The Olive Wood Manger

By Judy Davis –

My first children’s book, The Olive Wood Manger, was published last year. God is so good as He gives us ideas, concepts and insight. Each book I write has plenty of Scriptures for I know His Word will not come back void. “My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV).

When our younger grandchildren visit us during the holiday season we always have a joyful time of celebration. I’ll never forget the Christmas our grandson started to open a gift when he saw my little “Olive Wood” manger scene I had purchased in Bethlehem.

He slowly picked up Baby Jesus, then the manger, a donkey, and a camel, holding them in his tiny hand. He laid down his new gifts that were still wrapped and started playing with “Baby Jesus.”

It was not long when he ran to me and said, “Nana, where is Baby Jesus, I can’t find baby Jesus.” We both got down on our hands and knees looking for him under the rug, the sofa, the table. Finally he saw the little replica of Baby Jesus. “I found him, I found him,” squeaked Connor. It was at that moment I thought of the verse, “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).

As we prepare our homes for this joyful holiday let us also prepare our hearts. Make room for Christ in Christmas. When the holidays seem hectic with all the preparation of cleaning house, shopping, gift-wrapping, decorating, baking, and addressing Christmas cards, take time to plan. Start early making a list of things to do. Then you are ready to celebrate the greatest time of the year.

When all the bad news broadcasting around us makes the holidays seem too tense, take time to rejoice! Christmas begins in the manger as the story of the birth of Christ unfolds.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ the Son of God who lived and died so we may live according to your plan and purpose.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8, 11-12 NIV).

Happy New You

By Judy Davis –

At the beginning of this year I felt God speaking to my heart about writing a new book. I started writing in January. When God speaks we must be sensitive to hear His voice and be obedient to His divine direction.
Sometimes it’s not easy to step out in faith. It takes discipline, perseverance, endurance, and work. But when God asks us to do something, we can do it in His strength. We certainly need to pray and seek Godly counsel daily in every area of our lives.

Are you pressing forward in the things Jesus has placed on your heart to do? Keep moving forward and let nothing stop you. God wants to meet us right where we are. Learn to see how He works in the details of our daily lives. His promises are as real today as they were when the Word was written. He is still able to meet us at our point of need today as yesterday.

This week my husband and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary. Our marriage has not been perfect but we know God has been there through the good and bad times. We both are forever thankful for these years he has given to us.

Recently I told my youngest son, “The hardest and most important job we do is raising our children.”

Mr. John Rosemond, a minister, was asked, “What is the biggest mistake parents make?”

He stated, “They pay entirely too much attention to and do entirely too much for their children. These children usually, but not always, end up as spoiled brats. On the other hand, some parents’ biggest mistakes are that they pay entirely too little attention to their kids.” Again, we must do the best we can with God’s divine guidance.

Remember, nothing in life is easy. Whether it is writing a manuscript, being married, or raising a family, we must depend on our faith in God. My book Happy New You, a 365-day devotional on reading the Bible through will be finished this month. To God be the glory for He has helped me every step of the way.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, what a mighty God we serve. Help us to do the best we can in all we do so our lives may glorify you.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

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