When They Return

A new day is dawning.

With gratitude I face this day. 

One of the older farm girls. 

One that has come back to the farm. 

A cousin. 

Is giving my farmer a break.

And her side kick. 

Not that one. 

This one.

She has brought a contagious joy with her. 

Even when she is feeling miserable. 

There is a lot happening in her life right now. 

And true to Davis style, she is digging in. 

Willing to step on a path uncharted. 

Sometimes I feel like God has abandoned me. 

Turned his back. 

The ache and struggle overwhelming. 

That is a lie. 

God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. 

We have needed a boost here. 

Sometimes it feels like we're drowning. 

Low milk prices, transitioning to Organic, breakdowns, change in help. . .

It gets down right discouraging. 

But then in walks a ray of hope. 

Both of us needy. 

That's when the miracles happen. 

When you least expect. 

And when that sun began to come over the mountain this morning 

I felt the glimmers of hope. 

My farmer has rested two mornings in a row. 

He completed a few little projects around the house. 

We went to a Christmas Party. 

We watched movies. 

We all had dinner together. 

It's been a gift of a weekend. 

We're grateful for this older farm girl. 

She has brought us much joy through the years. 

Now she brings hope. 

Somehow those cousins are mingled in with the siblings. 

And where they start and stop becomes unknown. 

Two of those cousins now cease to sing their songs on this earth. 

It has rocked this family to the core. 

It has only increased our love for each other and 

deep commitment to carrying on a legacy of deep faith. 

As Advent continues may the richness of this Season reach deep. 

May it affect you profoundly.

So that you are changed. 

For the good. 

For eternity. 

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

They're Going. . . Again

26 days. 

There are 26 days until they leave. 

My farmer, farm boy and college girl are getting ready. 

Shots, paper work and prayer. 

Knees bent low as they trust for each piece of this journey. 

They're going because they desire to serve. 

The skills they use each day here on the farm yearning to be used for a people in need. 

Arms aching to hold those who long to be held. 

So, on the wings of prayer, they will go. 

To a people and land loved deeply. 

It is here the effects of chemo and radiation faded away as my farmer gave what he had to the least of these. 

He responded in faith to the desire to serve. 

It is this same response that is bringing him and 9 others back

 to this beautiful land. 

It is because of you, your prayers and support that this group is equipped to be the hands and feet of the One who gave all so we can live. 

We wait with hope and expectation in this Season of Advent. 

Hope of what is to come. 

It is this hope that spurs us on. 

Death, cancer; they can attempt to steal our joy. 

They can try to remove from us the Promise given. 

They will not. 

Isaiah 54:17

no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.

This Promise spurs us on. 

Even in the face of adversity. 

We bow low before the Kings of Kings. 

We're stepping out in faith that this is the path He has for our family. 

We pray to that end that you will join us. 

Here are 3 Ways that you can give this Holiday Season. 

Commit to pray for this team. 

 There is nothing we are able to do with out a deep and sure base of prayer. 

We are not above stepping back if this is not all of God. 

We are His servants and we humbly seek His direction. 

There is much to pray for.

The team. 

Travel

Finances

Open Hearts

All the details of the farm since the farmer and farm boy will be gone

 Help fill the suitcases

We have been given a list of items needed for the orphans

We have also been given a list of items for the workers. 

So often missionaries go with out items from their home country. 

Below is a list of those items:

Toothpaste

bras for young women

training bras

Bar soap

Shampoo

Feminine napkins

underwear for boys and girls

crocs shoes for boys

Babies are always in need of infant formula and disposable diapers

Things for us (the missionaries):

Dark roast whole bean coffee

Cheetos

Chocolate-Snickers, Mr Goodbar

Kind bars

Whole roasted walnuts and almonds

Eddy (the orphanage director):

Men's cologne

Lady's perfume for Djoune

If you would like to donate any of these items

 you may bring them to the farm. 

Thank you to all who blessed us already with items. 

Giving

Finally, we are still not fully funded. 

We are trusting for each and every need we have. 

We know that God is able. 

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Leave a note in the comments if you are able to commit to prayer.

 Financial contributions can be made to;

 the Merchants Bank in Jericho

Davis Family Fund

Donations can also be made by clicking on the link below. 

Be sure on the drop down menu to choose "Haiti Projects"

And then in the memo box indicate Gary Davis Family 

 http://www.globalcn.us/donate.html

We are excited to see how God will continue this relationship with

 GoServ Global. 

Every Time I See Purple. . . I Think of Her

He wore purple to the Missions Night. 
Our Youth Pastor. 
He didn't know it was the Eve of her home going. 
It made me think of her. 
She would have loved his outfit. 
She would have told him. 
So, I did. 
And today she's been gone for 3 years. 
Her smile and laughter missed by all who knew her. 
This is a repost from last year. 
It is my walk. 
The journey God has placed before me. 
I am grateful I worked through the tough season with my mom to be able to love and serve her in her last days her on this earth. 
If you have relationships that are fragmented. 
Work. 
To make them holy. 
Strive to be peace. 
I for one am grateful I did. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She Loved God, She loved purple, She was our Mom
December 5, 2014

She loved purple.

She loved God. 

She and my dad fought often during their married life. 

Good old knock down drag out fights. 

Yet loved fiercely. 

They stayed true to the institution of marriage. 

Maybe that was the secret. 

Things weren't left undone. 

For better, or worse. 

Her home was immaculate. 

She and my dad built their dream log cabin in the woods. 

They had plans to travel. 

God had other plans.

She would travel; 
but mostly only as far as Boston; to the inside of a hospital.

Cancer would be her companion for 9 years. 

She would learn to live with this unwanted roommate. 

Her life not much altered. 

Cancer would not have the last word; 

she prayed. 

She trusted. 

Even when my dad showed signs of shacking up with the memory thief. 

She never wavered. 

She just added doctors visits and chemo to her daily tasks 
and busy social calendar. 

She persevered with a fierce resolve.

Her cancer became a blessing. 

For a season of my life I was at odds with my mom. 

Our views of the world different. 

Hers, through rose colored glasses; me through concrete realism. 

Until one day, with the help of my Mother in law, I began to see that relationship in a different light. 

A changed perspective; work. 

A relationship worth fighting for. 

And I did. 

I changed. 

God blessed. 

I had the honor and privilege of caring for my mom. 

And I miss her. 

It is two years since she journeyed home to be with Jesus. 

Two years of some of the hardest moments I've ever experienced. 

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. 

I am reminded of her in so many ways. 

A random purple gift bag in with the Christmas ones, 

A purple Christmas tree in a shop. 

A laugh; each Christmas ornament on the tree,
 given to each of the kids, each year. 

A legacy. 

A reminder. 

This Christmas Season as we celebrate, I think about my mom. 

She made Christmas beautiful and holy. 

It was magical and reverent all at the same time. 

Even Santa bowed low to the Magnificence of a Savior born.

Her enthusiasm was contagious. 

She never met a stranger. 

She loved music; all kinds. 

And now she dwells with the Most High. 

Her pain all gone. 

She also resides with my boy. 

And I am sure there is great rejoicing in the heavenly realms. 

Mom, I am grateful for the years I was able to spend with you. 

I am glad God helped to make our relationship what it was. 

I am so thankful for your witness to our living God. 

Because I never would have been able to walk this road with out the rock solid faith you showed in every aspect of your life. 

Last year I wrote these words. And they resonate with my heart this day. 

Jesus is the name above all names. 

He who is called by many names:

Jehovah Jireh - my provider

Jehovah Rafa - my healer

Wonderful Counselor

Prince of Peace

It is at this name we bow. 

It is at this name that I have my strength and being. 

It is for this name we celebrate Advent.

Bowing low to wait.

Leaning in to hear and wonder at it all. 

Come Lord Jesus;
make us into a people that long to hear your name
 above the clatter of the season,
above the pain of searing grief and loss and
above any other name that distracts.

Let this great news, bring us great joy. 

Jesus Mesiah

Name above all names

Blessed Redeemer

Emmanuel

The rescue for sinners

The ransom from Heaven

Jesus Messiah

Lord of All

Chris Tomlin

Jesus Messiah

When You're Decking the Halls and You Feel Like Checking Out

In a moment he was gone. 

The police stood at my door. 

Accident. 

Death. 

Wake. 

Funeral. 

All words connected to my child. 

What do you call a parent who has lost a child?

Who am I? 

I am broken hearted. 

I ache from deep within. 

Year 3 of Christmas without my boy. 
Year 4 without my mom. 

I am decking the halls. 

Playing Christmas music. 
Remembering. 

Every ornament I pull out I am reminded. 

His name; the year. 
Given by my mom. 

I quiet the onslaught of grief.
The lights of the tree twinkle gaily. 

This is a Season of Advent. 

A Season I have tried to control; corral every year. 
Expectations of beauty, warmth, joy. 

A season of waiting and preparation. 

Birth. 

Life. 

Bought with a price. 

Holiness. 

Truth. 

Grace.
Mercy. 

The God of the Universe becoming incarnate. 

For me. 

For you. 

He took on flesh that we might live. 

He willingly stepped into humanity knowing the grief he would endure. 

Mary bore the boy child. 

Knowing he was destined for more than she understood. 

She gave. 

She trusted. 

She waited. 

This Advent Season may find you joyous and grateful

 far beyond your wildest imagination. 

Or it may find you empty; yearning for more. 

Living with a deep ache. 

Who am I?

My identity lies not in the things around me. 
It is not defined by my children or husband. 
I am a child of the living God. 
I am loved beyond anything that I can fathom. 
I am rooted in Christ. 
Bought with the blood. 
Justified. 
Sanctified. 
That. Is who I am. 

May you pause this season to open your eyes. 

Be present in the moment. 

Ready to see what God with do. 

How he will show up. 
While you wait. 

I believe God has been showing me this very thing. 

When I want to crawl back into bed; 

to let the world around me continue on. 

My heart aching with the longing of that which I can not have. 

He beckons me to come. 

Come sit in His presence.

Commune with Him. 

Eyes wide open to see. 

The miracle he will do. 

In your heart and mine. 

When the world is crazy over gun shots and violence. 

When the news brings nothing but heartache. 

He reaches in and whispers,
Be Still my child. 

I am here. 

These events that are coming to pass have all slipped between my fingers before they came to be. 

He calls us to be obedient. 

To dig deep. 

To love our neighbor. 

To walk in love with those around us. 

This Season of Waiting and Preparation can be that. 
Find ways to give. 

Show up to the hurting and hopeless. 

With every Act of Love we Bring the Kingdom Come -Jason Gray 

Let's be different. 
From deep within. 

Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, 
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

O Come All Ye Faithful
Chris Tomlin

What? November is Over Already? Day # 30 of Thankfulness

We were off the farm for a little over 24 hours.

Attending a baptism. 

Being with family. 

Trying to embrace this new change. 

Pushing through the loss and grief and all we have known. 

We have been blessed. 

It's so hard because it was so good. 

Not perfect. 

At all. 

But good. 

And the memories made; a treasure. 

We want that for our kids. 

Memories. 

Laughter. 

Family. 

Grace. 

This last day of November is the 30th day of Thankfulness. 

My how this month has flown by. 

Each day wanting, trying, working to enter Thankfully. 

Why is it so hard to walk with gratitude? 

Why is my default always grumbling and complaining. 

The Israelite's were not even to the Red Sea, after their Exodus from Egypt before they were desiring to go back. 

Wanting to go to what was familiar. 

Even though it included slavery and opression. 

But Moses told them,

Eodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

God is at work. 

He is fighting for me. . . He is fighting for you. 

Picture that. 

Someone, loves you enough to be fighting for you. 

We can't always see how it is going. 

It may not feel like anything is happening. 

All we see is heartache and turmoil. 

I assure you. 

He is fighting. 

He is holding tightly and will never let you go. 

Ever.

30 Days of Thankfulness~

I am thankful for:
reminders that I am loved and held by the Author and
 Creator of this vast Universe
 joy that comes from deep within
moments of reflection and quiet
coffee and the warmth of a fire

a light dusting of snow after these long beautiful fall days

a farm boy who turns the Christmas Tree lights on as soon as he gets home

the smell of clean laundry

grace, that covers a multitude of sin

the act of intentional gratitude

the hope of Advent

the memories I hold so dear

brothers who are silly and goofy

sisters in laws that love my brothers

another day to seek and serve as God's child

I hope these 30 days of Thankfulness have strengthened

 your walk with God. 

That walking intentionally into gratitude leaves you full of grace and mercy for those around you. 

They say that it takes 30 days to establish a habit. 

It will take me years of walking this path purposefully to shake the complaining gene. 

But I am willing to walk the path to greater living. 

May I someday be able to say as Paul did.

He had learned, no matter what he face, to be content in all circumstances. 

Philippians 4:12

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

May we all continue to name our gratitude each and every day. 

A little Late But So Grateful Day # 20 of Thankfulness

I'm weary. 

500 plus miles in a little over 24 hours.

A baptism. 

Family time. 

Photo shoots. 

All time, marching on. 

I'm powerless to stop it. 

Living needs to continue. 

Change. 

Hard. 

Inevitable.

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

My hope is secure

I still don't like this change. 

But I need to press on. 

30 Days of Thankfulness~

I am thankful for:

Moments with my dad 

new life

the waters of baptism 

cousins

giggles and laughter

a shared meal

Christmas decorations

the farmette and her mommy and daddy who drive 2 hours to be with us

a farmer who stays up until midnight watching Hallmark

 movies with my brother

a niece who gave so we could get away

We get to do this life once. 

I pray that my eyes are wide open to see all that God will do. 

I don't want to be so distracted that I miss what is right in front of me. 

How Gratitude Changes Us Day #28 of Thankfulness

I have chosen, with God's help, to walk a journey of Thankfulness this month. 

It is a practice that is cultivated. 

It requires digging deep and reflection. 

Finding things to be thankful for is not always easy. 

There are things to gripe and complain about. 

Rights violated, feelings hurt, fairness not applied. 

This is what makes the world turn. 

Injustices. 

Anger. 

Greed. 

Getting ahead. 

At all cost. 

Glamour and prestige. 

The spotlight. 

Yet isn't that what Jesus fought the whole time he was here on earth? 

The idea that he was a King? 

His desire; to seek and serve. 

His desire; for souls to be changed. 

From the inside out. 

He spoke against sin and the devastating affects it has. 

Yet he came along side the sinner. 

He didn't leave them there. 
He walked with them. 
He walks with us. 

He requires change. 

When we yield to gratitude something inside us changes. 

We look for the gift in life. 

I am choosing to look more and more for that gift. 

30 Days of Thankfulness~

I am thankful for:

friends and family visiting through the day

a farmhouse table full of young and old, munching on leftovers

doors flung open, welcoming those who enter in

the farm boy and his ability to create beauty where I see none

these warm days; so strange

mowing hay on November 27

large font size

decorating for Christmas

the girls and Rachel helping to get the house decorated 

the opportunity to get away for a quick overnight to MA for our new nieces baptism

the promise and hope of Advent

intentionally naming my thanks

choosing gratitude

leftovers

pie

white lights

memories

grace 

this run down farmhouse with torn curtains and broken windows; I love every inch

the reminder that I am loved no matter how difficult or lousy I feel

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.