New Year's Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are know never to be followed after January 31, however, this year, I have some definite ones. The first, is to fall in love with Jesus all over again, every day. Too many times I am distracted by the days running and sometimes just exhausted and forget that I haven't given Jesus my full attention. I want to change that this next year. Without Jesus, my life is a mess and I don't want that.
The second resolution is to take better care of the temple the Lord supplied me. I just have one chance with this ole body, so I better made good of it.
The third is to trust I am loved and belong. This is probably the most difficult for me. God has put people in my life to minister to me, teach me and to love me. My head knows this, but my heart has a hard time trusting that rejection is not an issue.
So, to make myself accountable, I have shared my resolutions with you. I am going to prayerfully do my best to see it through. I'll let you know the results this time next year!!! Hee hee
May God bless my friends and family with a year of joy, strength and wellness. That you will be wrapped in HIS loving arms daily and the HIS grace will be sufficient till the day of HIS great returning......
Love ya all and Happy New Year!!!

Life's Puzzle

Sometimes life is like a puzzle. We have all these pieces and really no clue how to put them together. I'm so glad I have a God that knows what the "puzzle" looks like with all the pieces together!!!!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Dogs and Christmas....

More than one way to decorate!! Thanks Patti for sending it to me!!!

Warm Hearts

A warm heart in a cold world!!!

Please, Don't Mind My Brokeness.....

Psalm 51:16-17
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

I have been on a journey that began about two years ago. I was tired of carrying alot of baggage from my childhood that was affecting how I was handling situations in my home. The dark cloud of depression had been over head for many, many years; so I went to God and told Him I was tired of the pain, the confusion, the bitterness,the anger and the fear. I asked Him to make me into what HE wanted me to be and I submitted to HIS breaking process. It was a scary step to take since the pain I had felt was so deep. I contemplated many times in taking my life, not really considering the impact of other since I felt they would be better off without me anyway. But the Master Potter put me back on the wheel, and time and time again He has had to brake and remake me, getting rid of not so attractive parts of my character, spirit and heart. He is a very gentle potter as He loves the vessel He works on, and only has the best in mind for HIS creation.
Jeremiah 29:11 says:"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
There are times in all of our lives that things happen to "brake" us, so it seems. The key is in Who's hands we are in. If it's the worlds hands, the pieces never quite get back together to make something uniquely beautiful. However, if we put ourselves in the nail scarred hands of Jesus, He will make something very beautiful out of the pieces sin has left us with.
I now live under the sunshine of God's mercy. Is the pain completely gone? No, I still feel an ache where open wounds were once infected, figuratively speaking. Do I have scars??? Oh yes, too many to count. Am I still depressed??? Oh heavens NO!!!!! No more black clouds covering my sky!!! My worth does not come from pedigree, name, bloodline, or financial status, but my worth comes from who I am in Christ. I'm a princess to the King of Kings and my birthright was given to me through adoption. Ephesians 1:5
5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will
So, please, don't mind my brokenness, it's my way to heaven!!!

Closed and Open Doors

Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.
Alexander Graham Bell

Blessed

Blessed
By: Rachael Lampa

I may never climb a mountain,
So I could see the word from there.
I may never ride the waves,
And taste the salty ocean air.
Or build a bridge,
That would last a hundred years.
But no matter where the road leads,
One thing is always clear....

(chorus)
I am blessed,
I am blessed,
From when I rise up in the morning,
'Till I lay my head to rest,
And I feel you near me,
You sooth me when I'm weary.
Oh, Lord,
For all the worst and all the best,
I am blessed.

All along the road less traveled,
I have crawled and I have run.
I have wandered through the winds and rains,
Until I found the sun.
But watching eyes,
Asked me why,
I walk this narrow way,
There may never be a reason,
For the hope I have today....

(chorus)

You've given me joy,
You've given me love,
You give me stength,
When I want to give up.
You came from heaven,
To rescue my soul.
You are the reason,
I know,
I know.

Holiday Time...

Well it's that time again when we start making plans for the holidays. For me, Thanksgiving will be awsome this year. The four of us and my sister, Cameo with her boys will be going to a cabin at Bass Lake Thursday and Friday. I will be off work Monday, Tuesday and Wensday to make the preparation and off to Bass Lake on Thursday morning. We will eat, sleep and be merry for two wonderful days.
Really, I dread the holidays. It's not a real happy time for me. Growing up in a home of step fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, it was never really family. My mother is on her 5th marriage, my dad is on his 3rd and my bio dad is not in my life at this time by his choosing and ,Grandma Miller's passing five years ago. So, the warm fuzzy feelings of the holidays were only known on those Christmas eves as a very young girl at my Grandma and Grandpa Cunnings' house. All my aunts, uncles and cousins on my Mom's side of the family, (The Wallace side didn't celebrate holidays), would gather at our grandparents house and we would all open presents. We would sing, eat and play with cousins all evening long. That was one of the few constants in our growing up.
Then came the divorce and here this year and there next. "You spent more time with this parent last year than you did me", or "oh no, another boyfriend or girlfriend and their kids to contend with."

Even through I am grown and have children of my one, I still struggle with the holidays. We haved always tried to satisfy all the "parents", in laws included, and Nate and the girls really enjoy going from place to place. I, on the other hand, would rather forget it was a holiday, but I put on the face and go on.
I wonder what it would be like to have those warm fuzzies, the feeling of belonging, being a family, and feeling important, special and cherished. I can feel all those things about my kids and hubby, but not myself. God is really working on me accepting that I am HIS daughter. A princess of the King. It's funny how I have told my girls those things and they are so presious. Still at 41, I still struggle with those feelings.
So I have to remember what the holidays really mean. To be thankful for God's blessings and for Christmas, for God's sacrifice so I might be saved. With that in persective, it's not so hard to endure....LOL
I'm not whinning or really complaining.It's the way it is, but God has been way to good to me to stop thanking Him and stop celebrating Truth, salvation and freedom from the world.
"Thank you Lord for being EVERYTHING that I need!!!!"

Painting

I have decided that painting my house was more work than I thought!!! The kitchen is done, and Nathan is doing the touch up work. My arms and hands are killing me!! I admire every person that makes painting houses a career! Wow!

Happy Birthday Julie and Ben!!!!

Today is Julie and Ben Binion's birthdays!!!
Julie's the best sister in law ever!!! Nathan has been blessed to have you as a sister and I a sister-in -law and a friend.
Ben, you have a special place in my heart always!!
Auntie and Uncle think the world of you!!!
Now off to the party!!!!

A PERFECT HEART

Words and Music by Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire
Arranged by Tom Fettke








Morning sun, light of creation;
Grassy fields, a velvet floor;
Silver clouds, a shimmering curtain, He’s designed a perfect world.
I’m amazed at His talents, stand in awe of One so great;
Now my soul begins to sing out to the source from which it came.

Bless the Lord who reigns in beauty;
Bless the Lord who reigns with wisdom and with power.
Bless the Lord who fills my life with so much love,
He can make a perfect heart

Bless the Lord who reigns in beauty;
Bless the Lord who reigns with wisdom and with power.
Bless the Lord who fills my life with so much love,
He can make a perfect heart.



© 1980, this arr. 2008 Makanume Music, Ooh’s and Ah’s Music, Bud John Songs (admin. By EMI CMG Publishing). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Just Thinking.....

I know that me thinking scares many, but it happens on occasion that something will tug on my heart a bit, and I "must needs" share.
This January it will be nine years since God brought Nathan and I back together and put our broken home back together again. Alot has happend in nine years, lots a tears, wonderment, doubt, fear, gains, losses, but here we are, still togehter, in the Church with our children. Thanks be to God for a miricle that only He could have done!!!!
We often look at the "big miricles" such as a visible healing or a unexplainable fincial blessing, something that just "awes" the masses. When we do this, we often miss that speical miricle God performed just for you and me. It may not make the front page of the Pentecostal Herold or Apostolic headlines, nonetheless, a miricle specially put together by the Maker.
No, my name is not a well known, and I do not come from any ranks in Pentecost. In fact I am first generation Apostlic, but God dosen't care about that, He cares about me, and what I hold dear, my family. We are not in the of ministry as one may consider relevent, but God restored our family for a purpose. To testify of HIS glory, HIS saving grace, HIS love for us, and that HE is a God of reconsiliation. He worked a miricle in our lives!!! We are living for God, our girls are living for God, and we are doing that togehter!!!!
We ARE miricles, all of us that know God and know the Truth of who HE is!!!!
May we never forget that you and I are miricles that only God could perform!!!! Just as the childrens song declares:
"I am a Promise, I am a Possiblity, I am a Promise with a captiol P, I am a great big bundle of Potenitaltiy. And if I'm listening, I can hear God's voice and I'm trying, I can make the right choice, cause I a Promise to be, anything HE wants me to be"........

I think God is telling us something!!!!

Psalms 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 106:1 Praise ye the LORD.O give thanksunto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you .

Truth

I thank God for revealing Truth to me....
No tellen where I'd be without it

Missing Grandma....

November 17 will the be the five year anniversary of my Grandma Miller's death. In those five years much has happened. The adbadonment of my bio-father, (her son), many situations in our home consumed my every thought. God has been good and life in the Davies's home has peace once again! (Thank you Jesus!). However, now in the peace, I realize how much I miss my Grams. I only had her for 13 years and that was just not long enough to be with this fantastic woman! We had a very special relationship and she was MINE!! My Grandma, not like a grandma, I was hers and she was mine.
So, today I went to Merced and met my great aunt Norma and uncle Shorty at the cemetery. I place new Autumn silk flowers on her and Grandpa's headstone,(at the time I met Grandma, Grandpa was in a convalescent hospital, was bed ridden, unable to see or talk and died in 1997), went to lunch with my aunt and uncle then went to the mall. Grief is a strange because it just hangs out in the background and pops up when you least expect it.
I talked with a trust confidante regarding this, and the conclusion is, you never stop feeling the pain and loss, it just changes "shapes" so to speak. So for now, I walk through this season and appreciate the gift that God blessed me with, my Grams!!!

I Got the Job!

I recived the phone call this afternoon during lunch!!!!
I am now, well after I get my T. B. test results and the documents they need,once again an employee of Fresno Unified School District!!! Thank you Jesus!!!
Now I will have a consitant paycheck with the benefits and still freelance after hours. God is so faithful!

I Love Fall!!!!

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence

Job Interview

Went on a job interview with Fresno Unified School District today! Thought I would never go back, but God has opened doors and I am doing my best to make sure I walk through them. It offers perks that freelance interpreting doesn't; sick leave, vacation, retirement...I will keep you updated.....

Jesus Does Love Us!!!!

God has done it again!!! We have been two months behind on our house payment and very close to foreclosure. Both Nathan's and my hours had been cut most of the summer, which is usually when Nathan makes most of his money being an A/C tech.
Recently, I had oppurtunity to do some freelance long term interpreting for the school district (my old stomping grounds), and a labor and delivery at emergecy rate, all adding up to the ground total of what is owed and a little more to boot!
God came through right on time! God has really been teaching us some lessons most importantly, learning to trust HIM and not rely on our own abilities. HE is so GOOD!!!!

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD

Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

2 Samuel 22:3
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him

Psalm 31:14
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

Glad for my Friends!!!

True friends are those who, when you make a fool of yourself, don't believe that this condition is permanent. -Erwin T. Randall

I'm Back!!!

Nathan and I had a wonderful time in Pismo this past weekend!! The weather was perfect! Not too hot not to cold. Saturday we slept in and just took it easy. Went to a few thrift stores ( I love thrift stores), then met up with my sister Cameo and my handsome nephews for an early dinner. After that, we had a reservation to enjoy the Sycamore Hot Springs in Avila. That was so relaxing and enjoyable. We plan to go again! Sunday we slept in again, had coffe and a pastry, (Nathan's favorite breakfeast). Then we walked around the outlet mall. Shopping done, we went down to Diansour Caves, a beach in Shell Beach. This beach is visted by residents mostly and is not crowed at all. We stayed there an hour or more just enjoying the beautiful day before heading back to the valley. Avila Farms was our last stop, and boy did we have fun. I really missed Emily and Abbey (my youngest nieces) when we were there. The animals we darling. We enjoyed to shops there as well and the different fruits and veggies. That also will be a repeat visit spot.
Now we are back at home in the ole routine. It's good to get away, but I miss my kids, home and four dogs. Home at last!!!

Pismo Beach!

I convinced my hubby we needed a weekend at the beach! Not just one night but TWO!!! So here I am at the Motel 6 in Pismo enjoying the cool overcast weather..... The high is estimiated to be only a wonderful 71 degrees today. Gotta love it!!!!

Lonliness.....

“Lonliness accepted becomes a gift leading one from a life dominated by tears to the discovery of one's true self and finally to the heart of longing and the love of God.”
-unknown

Seasons....

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Pastor preached this morning about the seasons in life that seem the most difficult is summer and winter. In summer everything seems dry and no water can be found. In the winter things feel cold and one stays in or is distracted by the holidays. But if we learn that God is IN every season, we can walk in victory cause no matter comes our way, God WILL see us through and we will continue in our spiritual growth and walk with the Lord. His grace and mercy is suffient to see us through the strom in the winter and the dry place in the summer.
What a mighty but loving God we serve!!!!

Girls Weekend Out in S.F.

Last weekend was our Girls Weekend Out with one of my best and dearest friends, Chantel Cox and her two girls, and of course my girls, including niece Abi Binion. We left Friday night, stayed in the Marriot in San Ramon and drove into the city Saturday morning for shopping and fun at the pier. We accomplished both! It was so much fun that we are planning another trip in December to see the Christmas decorations and hopefully sales. This time we want to include our hubbies for added fun and excitement. This trip however will be extended to two nights in the
City. This way we will have more time to do more things.
I love times like this. The memories will be dear for many years to come. Thanks Chantel for being the family that friends pick. I couldn't have asked for a better "family" to adopt

Center Of My Joy

CHORUS
Jesus, You're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You
You're the heart of my contentment
Hope for all I do
Jesus, You're the center of my joy

VERSE 1
When I've lost my direction
You're the compass for my way
You're the fire and light
When nights are long and cold
In sadness, You're my laughter
That shatters all my fears
When I'm all alone, Your hand is there to hold

CHORUS

VERSE 2
You are why I find pleasure
In the simple things in life
You're the music in the meadows and the streams
The voices of the children, my family, and home
You're the source and finish of my highest dreams

Shut In With God

Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the spirit, beholding His face
Gaining new power to run in this race
Oh, I love to be shut in with God

True Friends

Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend\'s success. - Oscar Wilde

Happy 19th Birthday Katrina!!!

August 7, 1990, a beautiful baby girl was added to our family. She is has always been a source of laughter and joy. There has never been a day I haven't watched with complete amazement how much wisdom she displays along with a love for God that has never diminished, even as a young girl.
Katrina is our baby, and we are so completely proud of her.
Even as a child she is the one who made us laugh,(like her daddy). She was our tomboy and climbed anything her boy cousins could and never gave up till she was had done her best.
I will never forget her "New York" accent whenever she would say an "r". Nannette had to interpret for Katrina since Nannette was the only one who understood her. However, Katrina would have to go to the bathroom with her "big" sister because it was dark.
During choir practice, we would be on the platform and Nannette and Katrina would sit on the first row of pews, there would be Katrina, waving her arms just like our chior director, (Pam Gregg). I was lucky to get to church with a clip and bow left in her hair, and some curl left. Now, she is very picky how she looks, finally!! (giggle)
Katrina has a special way of connecting with people. Her love for God shines through and makes her stand out in the crowd. Her talents are many, and she sings with pruity and anoiting. She considers God in all her decisions, and seeks counsel to ensure she is taking the right path. For a young person,that is rare.
Nathan and I are so grateful that we were blessed with such a jewel for a daughter and Nannette not only has a sister, but a best friend.
Tomorrow is your birthday Katrina, and with each year, you bring so much joy to our family. You are slow to judge people and try to see the silver lining in every cloud. During the toughest time in our family, you stood strong and was a blessing to all of us. I know God has something very special for you!!!
We love you!!!!!

Friends!

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. - Donna Roberts

Cocoa Ave. & E. Chocolate Ave.

Now this is almost Heaven!!!!!!!!! Just kidding
I wonder... will there be chocolate in Heaven???? I hope so!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Well, it's my birthday and it has been nice.
Saturday my family took my to Cool Hand Lukes in Clovis for dinner, my hubby got me a IPHONE and my mom got me a tea cup planter and money to make some unique denum skirts. My girls took me for a massage and Dad Wallace took me to lunch and my nieces, Abi and Dannah just walked in and surprised me!!!
God is Good!!!

Ladies Prayer

Now I lay me
Down to sleep.
I pray the lord
My shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles
Please no bags
And please lift my rear
Before it sags.
Please no age spots
Please no gray
And as for my belly,
Please take it away
Please keep me healthy
Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord
for all that you've done!

What's Looking Backatcha????

1 Corinthians 3:16:
16 -17You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple. (The Message)

Wednesday night our Pastor did a Bible study about looking in the mirror. He asked different ones how much time do they spend looking in the mirror each day before going somewhere. Some said five minutes,some said ten minutes and so on. Then he asked why did we look in the mirror and various appropriate answers come out of the question but the one that stuck with me is, we wouldn't know how we looked unless we looked in the mirror. He then brought out how the Bible is our spiritual mirror, and asked how often do we look in the God's Mirror to see how we "look".
Well, needless to say, I got a glimpse of myself today and came up wanting. Why is forgiveness so difficult? I think I have gotten closer to forgiving and then I am confronted with the memory of the situation, and walla... feelings that don't look so good in the "mirror". I have to go and "change my appearance" once again so I can "look" like what the Bible demonstrates. Back to HIS word and back on my knees for a "face lift" and "makeover". I'm so glad HE is merciful!!!
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

A Hug From Jesus

I needed this today really bad! Thought I'd share mine with you...

I hate being sick!!!!

Yesterday was suppose to be dedicated for church and worship, however, I had to worship the best I could at home. I was sick! Yuck!!! I appreciate the feeling good days more after being reminded how it feels to be sick. I get headaches and migranes often but when you add the stomach, it's no fun.
So, today I am feeling much better, but a bit on the shaky side, so I will eat something healthy, and not do anything heavy duty and thank the Lord for health! He Is Good all the time!

Jesus loves me this I know
for the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so....

The Names of God

God's Grace

Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

Hinds Feet on High Places

Ps. 18:33 and Hab. 3:19
"The Lord God maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon mine High Places"

I love this scripture and the book. An alleory of our daily walk with God. How, in our finite thinking, we want so badly to be what God wants us to be and to endevor to have a close relationship with Him, but it seems so hard, such an impossible task. This book takes us from the Valley of Humilation with Much Afraid doing her best to be a servant of the Shepherd, while her family, The Fearings, try to keep her inslaved in the valley.
Much Afraid takes the daring steps to follow the Shepherd to the Kingdom of Love, but meets opposition and obstacles in her way and how when she called on the Great Shepherd, how He lead her on her journey.
The first time I read this, Nathan and I were divorced. I cried at so many parts of it, because that was where I was at that time. Now as I read it, differnt parts move me. This book can be read time and time again, as we change in our walk and place with God.
It has given me such insight and understanding in our Christian journey and how sometimes God doesn't fix, the situation, He allows us to walk through the Shores of Lonliness, to detour through the Desert,on the Sea Wall, and then the Great Prcipice to endure an injury,then into the Forest of Danger and Tribulation only to walk through the Mist to the Valley of Loss, then rest in the Place of Anoitning. The face The Floods and the Grave on the Mountains. Until we reach Healing Streams and aquire our Hinds Feet and ascend to the High Places. Our name will be change, and we will know our God, the Shepherd.
I totally recommend this book. It is also in devontional form and group study.
I long to have Hinds Feet on High Places, do you?

Camping!!!!

Here is some pictures of the Davies clan camping trip!
We did have a nice time and the weather was perfect. Emily and Abbey, my adopted neices had a wonderful time as well.
I do believe however, I have had enough "camping" for one year!!!!