Thanksgiving Thoughts

We’re only a few hours away from Thanksgiving Day. It's the holiday where everyone in our nation stops to count our blessings regardless of religion, political persuasion, or nationality.

I awoke this morning at 5:30 a.m. reflecting on what I’m thankful for and decided to share my thoughts with you. If you’re struggling to find something to be thankful for, perhaps my thoughts will give you a nudge.

I’m thankful for:

1. Salvation- The only way for me to be in relationship with God is through Jesus’ death on the cross. I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that was shed for my sin and that the Gospel message came to my ears.

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” Exodus 15:2

2. Life – Life is a gift from the Lord. His mercy is new every morning.  Whatever our circumstances, God tells us to “choose life” because He knows the future and He’s already there. I’m thankful for this life that is leading me to eternal life with Jesus.

“So choose life…for the Lord is your life.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

3. Health – There’ve been a couple of times in my life when I almost checked out. I’m grateful for my health—that I can get up out of bed, take care of myself and go through the day in the strength of the Lord.

“…and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

4. Family – There is no greater treasure I have on earth than my family. I’m thankful for my brother and sister and extended family. I’m grateful for a Christian husband and children who love the Lord. I’m thankful for my mother who raised me in the ways of the Lord. My grandchildren are precious gifts from God!

“ Sons [and daughters] are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

5. Home – I’m especially thankful this year for my home. After surviving the worst hurricane to hit the eastern seaboard, I’m grateful I have a place to live, food and clothing. I’m thankful for all those who are helping New Jerseyans who’ve been displaced.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4

6. Church and friends – I’m thankful for the body of Christ and the fellowship we share. I’m thankful for a lifetime of friends and for the new friends I’m making. They nourish to my soul and ease the burdens of life.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Why not make your own list of things you’re thankful for? If you don’t have the time, simply take a moment to quietly reflect on your blessings. Send up a “thank you” to the One who supplies all that we need. Great is His faithfulness!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

WHY WRITE?

Some of you may be asking the question, “Why write?”  It’s a good question. I’ve asked myself that question many times over the past few years. Especially since I don’t feel qualified to write. I don’t have a degree in English, Creative Writing, Journalism, or Marketing. Marketing is a big part of being published. My education is in Theology and Church Ministries.

So why am I seeking to be published and why am I writing a blog? There’s a simple answer. It’s found in Habakkuk 2: 2: “Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'” The Lord was addressing Habakkuk’s questions about evil in the world and why God tolerates it. God was assuring Habakkuk that the righteous will triumph as they live by faith. Habakkuk was to obey the Lord by writing down the vision he was given by God.

And that’s why I’m writing. Out of obedience. It’s not what I planned to do at this stage of my life. But the Lord has always done something with me other than what I planned. He usually has a better idea!  I have a passion to share “God’s answer” to the broken hearted and I’m writing out of obedience to my Lord.

I’ve written a poem on this topic that I want to share with you. Perhaps the Lord will speak to you about writing His answer, too.

WRITE HIS ANSWER

If we could see through Jesus’ eyes

The broken hearts and ruined lives

Of those we often criticize

We’d stop---to “write His answer.”

If we would touch those in despair

Whose lives are caught in Satan’s snare

We’d kneel before the Lord in prayer

And seek---to “write His answer.”

The sufferings that we have known

The comfort that our God has shown

Could all be used to lead some home

We need---to “write His answer.”

Don’t think our words cannot be used

To touch the minds of those confused

To heal the wounds of those abused

Let’s vow--- to “write His answer.”

The Lord is calling us today

To be a beam and light the way

Before hearts slip and fall away

It’s time--- to “write His answer.”

Has the Lord spoken to you about writing His answer? What can you do today to minister to someone through writing?

Copyright 2012, Annalee Davis

Grandparenting Through Obstacles

I'm blessed by my heavenly Father with four precious grandchildren. I live far from three of them, so grandparenting isn’t always easy. That’s why I am so delighted to be a part of a new book release titled: “Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ.” 

My story, “Liking Skyping” shows how my obstacle of long-distance grandparenting can be overcome through the use of technology. Several authors share their creative solutions to other difficulties. It is a wonderful, Christian resource for anyone who is a grandparent.

My grandchildren have brought me enormous joy. Joy I might have never known. When a massive abdominal infection almost took my life at fifty years old, I almost missed the birth of my first granddaughter.

I would have been deprived of three little girls hugging me and saying “I love you, Grandma.” I would have missed the laughter, giggles, cookie making, sewing projects, special trips to the Crayola Factory, American Girl Doll Store, and Mary Poppins on Broadway. We’ve enjoyed blueberry picking, swimming, biking and many other activities and adventures over the years.

And most recently, I would have missed the only male child born into our extended family in thirty-three years. My grandson, who lives here in New Jersey with my younger son and his wife, is a joy beyond words. At fifteen months old, he recognizes me. After a visit, when it’s time to say “good-bye,” he puts his bottom lip out, gives me a sad look, and cries.  It breaks my heart every time.

Yes, I would have missed so much. But my grandchildren would have lost out on knowing their grandmother who loves them.  They would have never known this grandmother who knows and loves the Lord and shares Jesus with them every time we are together. I still pray with the girls at bedtime when I visit. And I sing Sunday School songs to the little boy I get to see each week.

I just returned from a week of vacation with my older son and his family in Maine. I hadn’t seen them in person for eight months and my granddaughters have grown like corn in July. The oldest will be a teenager in a couple of weeks. That’s hard to believe. It seems like I was cradling her in my arms only a couple of years ago. Skyping has helped ease the pain of separation between our visits.

Grandparenting is both a joy and a responsibility. One of the endorsers of Grandparenting Through Obstacles, Jim Ertel, (Founder of Heart of the Family Ministries) states: “I cannot remember a time when the role that grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren has been more desperately needed.”

Let’s be the best grandparents that we can be!

Are there obstacles you need to overcome to influence your grandchildren for Christ? What steps can you take today to make a difference in their lives?

NOTE:  PLEASE STOP BY!

For Grandparent’s Day, September 9^th, Christian Community Chapel, 211 Route 206 N.,  Hillsborough, N.J. will host my first book signing for Grandparenting Through Obstacles. I’ll be there with my “book signing Sharpie.” If you can, stop by from 12:30 -1:30 P.M. You can also go to Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com at any time to order your copy.

To view a short video (known as a “trailer”) on the book, go to:  http://youtu.be/pD0XGISQBm8

My personal interview will be posted on the book blog on September 6 and 13^th. To read the blog go to: http://grandparentingthruobstacles.wordpress.com/.

Copyright, 2012, Annalee Davis

Nothing Is Wasted

           

             I still remember lining up outside Ebenezer Church in Elizabeth, N.J. (now Evangel Church in Scotch Plains) for Vacation Bible School. Every year, about this time, my sister, cousins and I would wait outside in the warm ,summer sun for the large wooden doors to open allowing us to enter the sanctuary. My mother was always a volunteer worker, so it felt like a family reunion to see so many familiar faces.

            We marched into the clean, but humble sanctuary to lively music played on the piano. We sat on long wooden benches, scooting close to the person next to us so everyone could fit in the first few rows. Excitement and laughter always filled the room.  Our smiling faces revealed we were happy to be there!

            Each new day of VBS started with music. We sang songs like “Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord,” “Stop and Let Me Tell You,” “I’m In the Lord’s Army,” “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy” and, of course, “Jesus Loves Me.” But we weren’t just taught this old favorite in English. We were also taught the lyrics to “Jesus Loves Me” in Japanese and Spanish.

            I don’t remember the Japanese version. But I do remember the Spanish. The words are:

Si, Christo me ama (Yes, Jesus Loves Me)

Si, Christo me ama (Yes, Jesus Loves Me)

Si, Christo me ama (Yes, Jesus Loves Me)

La Biblia dice asi   (The Bible tells me so)

            On my trip to Nicaragua last Spring, I was scheduled to teach a women’s Bible Study each afternoon. I was delighted for the opportunity, but it also gave me relief from the afternoon heat of the mountain villages to go back to the church and be out of the sun for a couple of hours.

            One afternoon, my transportation never arrived. They literally forgot to pick me up from the village where I was witnessing and drive me to the church where several women were gathered for the Bible Study. I didn’t know this at the time. So, I became frustrated as I waited for my ride, wondering why it was taking so long.

            Team members made arrangements for the children of our village to gather each afternoon and have a mini VBS. Still waiting for my ride, I decided to let go of my increasing anxiety and join in the activities.   We began to sing children’s songs and before long, I was teaching them “Jesus Loves Me” in Spanish. A fellow team member from Canada, Janeen, taught them the words in sign language. I was happy to be there in spite of the heat!

            Over fifty years had passed since I learned those lyrics! And they were still fresh in my mind. I hadn’t used them in all those years, but when I needed them, in the mountain village of San Andreas, Nicaragua, the Lord brought them back to my memory.

            What had been invested in me as a child, was still bearing fruit. And what you invest in others will bear fruit some day. You may not see it or be aware of it. But nothing is ever wasted in the Kingdom of God. Nothing.

Have you forgotten that Jesus loves you? Let Him love you today. And don’t forget to tell someone else about His love! It won't be wasted.  I promise.

Copyright, 2012, Annalee Davis

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A Tightrope Over Niagara Falls

           

            I’ve heard of “The Flying Wallendas” all my life. I knew they were a family of stunt performers and tightrope walkers who've had their share of tragedies in the past. In spite of that, last Friday night (June 15^th), Nik Wallenda walked 1800 feet across a tightrope stretched  over Niagara Falls. He was the first person to ever attempt or complete such a dangerous and life-threatening feat. The thirty-three-year-old father of three had dreamed of walking a tightrope over  the falls since the age of six. Not surprising, considering he first walked a tightrope at age two.

            Two weeks ago, my husband Joel and I were at Niagara Falls on vacation. I could hardly wait to see the falls. I’d never been there. My travels have included every state but three, seven trips to Europe, a trip to Israel and Egypt, and most recently Central America. But I’d never seen Niagara Falls. As Joel and I discussed our vacation plans last spring, it was my first choice.

            When we finally arrived on the Canadian side of this natural wonder, we checked into our motel room and headed straight for the falls.  Although we were three blocks away, we could hear the thunder of 700,000 gallons of water cascading down each second.  As we approached, it was as magnificent and wonderful as everyone had told us. We took the “Maid of the Mist” boat ride and we were transported right up to the falls. Pounded by the mist and wind, we felt the power of Niagara Falls. So I had a special interest in watching Nik walk across them.

            It was astonishing to watch him accomplish his life-long dream. There were a few things I noticed that have a spiritual parallel and I want to share them with you. As I thought about what he had done, I drew an analogy to the times when we try to reach for our dreams, but find ourselves instead in the midst of a life-threatening situation or storm. Sometimes our lives can feel like we are walking "a tightrope over Niagara Falls."

            Here is what I learned from Nik:

            1. He prepared for years. At his own confession, Nik trained for this for the past couple of years. He walked a tightrope with fire hoses spraying on him and wind machines blowing currents all around him. When the whirlpool of Niagara pounded Nik, he was ready for it.

            We can’t face the storms of life without preparation. If we think we can sail along and suddenly make it through the storm when it hits, we’ll fall and drown. We need to be in relationship with the Lord every day, reading His word, praying, obeying, and walking in the Spirit so we’ll be able to withstand the winds and rain when they come.

            2. He praised the Lord the entire time. I found a YouTube clip of the feat. You can view it by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9VDMJ4FXfs

            If you listen closely you can hear Nik saying, “Praise You, Father God. Praise You, Jesus,” even while he was in danger of falling to his death. Nik knew that he was prepared for this event, and that God had given him the gifts to accomplish his goal. He continued to praise the Lord as the winds buffeted and the mist sprayed down on him.

            When we are facing a challenge in life, when the foundations of our lives seem to crumble under us, we need to keep praising the Lord. Praise will get us through the storm and we will reach the other side to a better place.

            3. He didn’t do it alone. Nik shared that his uncle who works for NASA made the cable specifically for him to walk across Niagara Falls. His mother made the elk hide shoes he wore. His father was connected to him electronically, and communicated with him the full length of the walk. Before he climbed onto the rope, he and his family held hands and prayed together. He knew others were praying for him, too.

            When we go through a difficult season of our lives, we need to allow others to help us. We can’t do it alone. The pride of self-sufficiency will keep us from succeeding and reaching our dreams. At one point in the broadcast, one of the commentators remarked, “He’s out there all alone.” I spoke out loud in my living room (Joel is used to it ) and said, “No he’s not. The Lord is with him, and we’re praying for him.”

           

At the end of the evening, an interviewer asked Nik why he walked a tightrope over Niagara Falls. He responded, “ I want to inspire people all over the world to follow their dreams.”

And that’s just what he did.

Have you given up on your dreams? Are you preparing today for when the storms of life come? Are you trying to “go it” alone? God never intended for us to go through the storms of life alone. Keep moving forward and keep praising the Lord as you do.

Copyright, 2012, Annalee Davis

           

"A Second Mother"

I love being a mother and grandmother. I have two grown sons and wonderful, godly daughters-in-law. I also have three precious granddaughters and one fabulous grandson. They have all brought me immeasurable joy.

I never had a daughter. I thought after giving birth to my boys, it would be perfect to have a girl. I imagined showing her how to sew and cook and work with her hands--all the things my mother taught me. I pictured her with dark hair and blue eyes. But my third pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage. There would be no daughter.

Then a couple of months ago, I took a missions trip to Nicaragua. It was our last day of walking the dirt roads through the mountain villages. Our team had been assigned to San Andreas the first part of the week. However, the last two days, we were sent to the village of Cuajiniquil. I thought it strange that our assignment was changed mid-week, but I trusted the decision of our team leader.

The first house we approached was like all the others we’d visited. The frame of the house was constructed from trees. Clay tiles covered the roof. The walls were cement or mud packed with straw. The house had electricity but no indoor plumbing. A refrigerator and microwave stood in a corner of the main room. Pretty, salmon-colored tiles covered the floor and an iguana was tied to a beam in the center of the room.

Fifteen-year-old Eileen was the only one of her family members around that afternoon. She welcomed us into her home and immediately I noticed her long dark hair and blue eyes. She was stunning.  Her soiled, tattered clothes indicated to me that although her house had a couple more appliances than others, this was still a poor family.

After introducing ourselves, I was asked to share my testimony with Eileen. She listened closely as I shared what Jesus meant to me. I told her that I’d received him into my heart as a child and that he’d never left me. There had been many people in my life that rejected or betrayed me, but Jesus had never rejected me all these years. I closed by saying He was my best friend.

After sharing, another team member presented the Gospel. Eileen was given the opportunity to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior and she responded. We prayed with her. I noticed tears in her eyes when we were finished praying. I knew she had been born again—a spiritual birth. We left her with a Spanish Bible and showed her how to read verses contained in a tract. It was a great feeling knowing another Nicaraguan had come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

On Friday night, after all our evangelizing was done, we had a celebration service for those who had received Jesus into their lives. As I glanced around at the people gathered in the cement block church, there was Eileen. She had clean clothes on and had pulled her hair back into a pony tail. She looked beautiful.

After the service, the team members were asked to stand at the front of the church while villagers greeted us and said good-bye. Eileen came to me and we found a translator so we could talk. She said that when I entered her house, she felt an immediate connection with me. She spoke of how my testimony had touched her heart. She said that now I was “a second mother” to her. Soon MY eyes were filled with tears. I hugged her tightly and then shared that I loved her and would pray for her.  Although I was going back to the United States, I would carry her in my heart as if she was my own daughter.

And I have. Eileen is in my thoughts and prayers often. I am grateful for the experience of seeing her come to the Lord.  I know that if we never see each other again, we’ll rejoice in heaven together some day.

I never had a biological daughter, but I have a “spiritual daughter.” And this special kind of motherhood has also brought me great joy.

Happy Mother’s Day!  
Copyright, 2012, Annalee Davis

This Little Light of Mine

It was the last night of my recent missions trip to Nicaragua. After seven days of high heat and strenuous walking, my body was exhausted. I felt relieved to be going back to the “hotel” where we’d stayed all week. The accommodations were one step above an “extreme” missions trip where you camp-out in a foreign country. The experience had challenged me physically and emotionally, but the spiritual rewards had accumulated with each new day.  All the inconvenience and discomfort paled in the joy of knowing 312 people heard the Gospel and 98 put their faith in Christ.

Our transportation, an old mini-bus, kept breaking down. Even on our first full day out from Managua to the hotel, it over-heated. On this Friday night as we made our way down the mountain from the village of Cuajiniquil--a forty-five minute drive over steep, dirt roads with no guard rails in sight--I held on to the sides of my seat as we were jostled around without seat belts one more time.

Suddenly, we found ourselves in complete darkness--except for the starry sky. The head lights had gone out and the driver slammed on his brakes. I immediately reached for the flashlight I’d carried a in my backpack all week, and beamed the light for the driver and our trip leader to see. The driver determined that we’d blown a fuse. We had inside lights, but still no headlights. Now what? One of the members from our twelve person team began to pray for safety as we all continued to wait patiently for the driver to solve the problem. As time went on, I became anxious, plagued with thoughts  like, “How are we going to get off this mountain? We have two river beds to cross over yet. What are we going to do?”  Before coming on this trip, we’d been warned of possible robbery and assault. We’d made it through the week without incident and I was ready to go home to the U.S. But that couldn’t happen until we got off this mountain.

My fear rose within me and I kept praying for safety and peace. Other members of our team got out their flashlights and soon four people crouched at the front of the bus shining their flashlights  onto the road through the windshield. The driver started the engine and slowly crept ahead with only the illumination of the flashlights and stars. But that was enough light to find our way down the mountain and back to the hotel.

As we traveled, someone started to sing the children’s song and we all joined in,

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

I realized that if there had only been one flashlight, we would never have made our way safely  to the main road. Only when we pulled together and used all our lights the darkness was dispelled for us to see.

Isn’t that a lesson for all of us? If only one of us shines our light, that’s good, but often not enough. We all need to shine our light, the light of God’s love and the transformation we’ve experienced in our lives. This will dispel the darkness around us and let others see the “Light of the World” in us. Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” ( Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).

Let your light shine for Jesus today wherever you go.

Are you allowing the light of God’s love to shine to those around you? Have you joined a fellowship of believers so you can increase the effectiveness of your witness to a dark and sinful world ? Reaffirm with me today: “I’m gonna let it shine!”

Copyright, 2012, Annalee Davis