“R” – Blogging A to Z

April 21st, 2015 dsisler

 

On our A to Z journey, I am allowing the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez titled “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try”[i] in a recent Good Housekeeping magazine to be our guide. The idea she offers for the letter “r” is rub down.

 

rResearch tells us that a massage can send you to a state of mental bliss. It can improve your body image and ease anxiety. And all it takes is a five-minute massage!

 

I must admit, I enjoy a little rub down. On occasion I pamper myself with a manicure. But I have found this great little place up the road (okay, I’ll give a shout out to Orchard Nails) that offers chocolate manicures.

 

In a session, chocolate is drizzled on your arms and hands, warm stones are used to massage the chocolate into your skin, and then warm towels are wrapped over the chocolate to intensify the scent and sensation.

 

This particular manicure not only boosts my attitude by the massage, the aroma of chocolate follows me throughout the day and that really enhances my mental state.

 

I’m reminded of a biblical account in Luke of a similar scene (Luke 7:36-50). Jesus had been invited to have dinner with a Pharisee.

 

As they were eating, a woman entered the room and stood behind Jesus. The woman began to weep. Her tears flowed to Jesus’ feet and she washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. But this woman wasn’t finished. She kissed Jesus’ feet and poured perfume on them.

 

I suspect this was an awkward moment, because the Pharisee said something. Whether it was under his breath or in his head, Jesus heard it. What harmful words this Pharisee spoke. Not only did he accuse the woman of being a sinner, but he doubted that Jesus was even a prophet and certainly not the Son of God.

 

Jesus, in His kindness toward those who need Him the most, turned to the woman and forgave her sins. In His teaching, Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47 – NIV)

 

Can you imagine the weight that was lifted from this sinful woman’s heart in that moment? Her love for Jesus and her faith in Him brought about forgiveness of sin and peace. I can only imagine how much her attitude was boosted by this encounter with Jesus.

 

Perhaps you are in need of this same type of encounter with Jesus. If so, why not reach out to someone who will be able to walk beside you on this journey? I pray that you will not let another day go by where you are burdened by such despair. Friend, hope is waiting for you. Your life can be changed in a moment by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

 

If your spirit needs a little boost today, why not ask the Holy Spirit to give your heart a rub down. Maybe to ease away the burdens of the day. Maybe to soften the edges of bitterness. Maybe to temper the temper. Or maybe to wash away the guilt of sin. These are just examples of what God’s Spirit can do in your life. It could be time to have a seat at God’s table and see what He can do with your life.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115.

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“Q” – Blogging A to Z

April 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

We are up to the letter “q” in this Blogging A to Z challenge. It’s been a great exercise to find new ways to boost our happiness or energize our attitudes. I pray that you’ve been able to find a few ways, both physically and spiritually to live an abundant life.

 

qAs we continue through the alphabet using the article in Good Housekeeping titled “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,”[i] Jennifer Rainey Marquez brings up the subject quiet time. This is what Simon-Thomas has to say about it.

 

“It may seem counterintuitive to put down a project that is causing stress, but taking your mind off of what you need to focus on can lead you to creative solutions. Your brain needs regular breaks to maintain peak function, so try for 10 to 20 minutes every two hours.”

 

I suspect what is done during these small breaks might make a difference as well. Just think. If we were to spend just 10 minutes with God every two hours throughout our day what might happen. A little Bible reading. Prayer time. Meditation upon a specific Scripture. I don’t know for sure, but I would say if we were to try this, our attitude boosting would go through the roof!

 

And I believe this would be in addition to your already scheduled quiet time with God. You know when you’re working on a Bible study or praying at your regularly appointed time.

 

To be honest, this really isn’t a lot for us to give to the God of creation. It really isn’t a sacrifice in comparison to what Jesus did for you. So why don’t we do it?

 

Probably because we find other things to do instead. Like surfing the web or chatting with a friend or two. Perhaps those things can enhance your happiness or boost your attitude as well. But to optimize our joy and attitude, I believe spending time with God just might be a better option.

 

Now, don’t think I’m getting all spiritual here. I don’t take my 10 minute breaks and spend them with God…and I work at a church!

 

However, today is a new day. Today is the start of a new work week. So perhaps, let’s all give this a try. Let’s see if it might not make a difference if we took at least one 10 minute break each day and spent it with God in some way. Find a little hideaway and just spend this time with Him. You know it will make a difference. You know it will.

 

It’s Monday and I haven’t shared a song all month long, so today I want to share a beautiful melody. Perhaps this tune will lead you to your quiet place with God today. Enjoy “A Quiet Place.”

 

There is a quiet place

Far from the rapid pace

Where God can soothe my troubled mind

Sheltered by tree and flow´r

There in my quiet hour

With Him my cares are left behind

 

Whether a garden small

Or on a mountain tall

New strength and courage there I find

Then from this quiet place

I go prepared to face

A new day with love for all mankind[ii]

 

Click here to listen to the Heritage Singers perform this one.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115

[ii] “A Quiet Place,” Words and Music by Ralph Carmichael, Communique Music Inc., 1969.

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Sing to the Lord

April 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1 – NIV)

 

What are you singing this morning? I pray it is the new song that Jesus put in your heart. The song of His salvation. If not, perhaps today is the day to give your life to Jesus. Gather with the saints and seek what they have found. It’s a perfect day to learn a new song!

 

I’m sharing a post that I wrote while helping my Mom after her back surgery. Let’s what God says about walking and talking.

 

Walking and Talking

 

I have been separated from my husband for nearly three weeks while I’ve been caring for my Mom. I miss him like crazy, but it has reminded us of our early marriage.

 

???????????????????????????????After we were married, we lived in two different states for 18 months. We knew our communications skills had to be perfected if our marriage was going to make it. We managed to work through those 18 months.

 

For a change, I decided to call my husband two evenings ago as I walked around Mom’s neighborhood. I was able to see beautiful flowers in bloom. Trees with fruit beginning their growth process. People doing yard work. Dogs running in back yards. All while conversing with my husband.

 

Walking and talking isn’t new. God has been doing since the creation of the world.

 

Genesis 3:8 tells us, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” God walked and talked with Adam and Eve, perhaps on a daily basis.

 

God also walked with Israel. Leviticus 26:11 says, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” God’s desire was to be among Israel, and He found that walking and talking was the best way to achieve that.

 

Jesus spent 33 years walking and talking with people. The Gospels are filled with such accounts. Being in Jesus’ presence must have been exhilarating. Oh for just a moment, sitting at His feet, listening to His teaching. That would have been glorious.

 

Just as people in Scripture walked with God and Jesus, we are called to walk with God. And there are ways in which we are to walk. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about our walk.

 

We are to walk in all His ways. Deuteronomy 5:33; 10:12; 11:22; and 26:17 basically say the same thing. Listen to Deuteronomy 10:12-13. “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” There is quite a bit in this short passage, but walking in all God’s ways is right in the middle of it. We must learn His ways. That is the key.

 

We are to walk in the light. Psalm 89:15 tells us, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” And Isaiah 2:5 says, “Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” As we journey through this life, God’s light can illuminate the path and make it easier to navigate. I have stumbled enough; I want to walk in His light.

 

We are to walk in freedom. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45) Under the New Covenant, we know what it is like to be free. Free from the laws and rituals of Old Testament living. We can rejoice knowing that we are walking in freedom!

 

We are to walk humbly. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Humility can be difficult, but as we draw closer to God and learn His ways, this characteristic will begin to bloom and grow.

 

We are to walk in obedience and in love. 2 John 6 says, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” Living a life of obedience is our way of showing God that we are walking side by side with Him. Living a life of love is our way of showing others that we are walking side by side with Him.

 

I certainly love to walk and I know I will take more walks around Mom’s neighborhood before I head for home. My prayer is that I and those I walk with (Mason or Mom) will follow God’s precepts. That we will seek Him in all our ways. And that we do it all in love.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“P” – Blogging A to Z

April 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

As we continue our journey through the alphabet, we land on the letter “p.” One sure way to improve your attitude or boost your happiness is to pick up the tab.

 

pIn the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez, she says that “treating a friend to a cappuccino offers a bigger happiness boost than hitting the café solo. Spending just $5 on another person can make a significant difference in your mood by the end of the day, says a University of British Columbia study. The amount above $5 doesn’t even matter, as long as you use to benefit someone else.”[i]

 

Now I believe there are two elements in this happiness booster suggestion. Being with a friend and paying it forward. So let’s begin with friendship.

 

God created us to be in relationship. Relationship with Him as well as with other humans. If that were not the case, Adam wouldn’t have needed Eve.

 

Through Scripture we find people connected to another. Their friendships have given us examples of how to be friends ourselves. People like David and Jonathan. Ruth and Naomi. Paul and Barnabas. Jesus and one He loved. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Aquila and Priscilla. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Joshua and Caleb.

 

Of course there are bad examples of “friends” as well. Samson and Delilah. Ananias and Sapphira. Cain and Abel. Judas and the chief priests. Forever, these names will be linked as examples of who we should steer clear of when looking for friends.

 

So once you’ve found that perfect, Spirit-filled friend to sip a cup of Joe or tea with, the next hurdle is to see if they will actually let you pay for their beverage of choice or meal. Paying it forward is such a blessing, but it can be difficult to be on the receiving part of that gift. Why?

 

Are we so arrogant and filled with pride that we can’t look beyond this expression of goodwill to see what joy it brings to the person who is doing the giving? How thoughtless we are!

 

The givers in our world find such great joy and happiness in giving. Remember, there are those who are spiritually gifted in this way. So when we refuse, or argue about who will pay for what, we unknowingly suppress their giftedness and douse their spirit with a bucket of cold water.

 

The Apostle Paul shared these words about giving. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – NIV)

 

Who is it that you can bless today by spending time with them? Who is it that you can bless today by paying it forward? Perhaps it’s time for you to use the gifts God has given you. Who knows, you might just find yourself humming when it’s all said and done.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 114.

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“O” – Blogging A to Z

April 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

I haven’t mentioned the purpose of my blog through the month of April lately. I accepted a challenge to write about a specific letter of the alphabet each day of the month. I saw a listing (from A to Z) of easy little tricks that will energize your attitude or boost your happiness. So I decided to use this list as my guide. It’s been a great journey so far!

 

oToday is set aside as “o” day. According to the author of “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,”[i] opening an orange is a great way to energize your attitude. Apparently certain aromas or fragrances trigger nostalgic feelings and some research suggests that the smell of an orange can calm—even take away anxiety.

 

I understand this one. I have found that double smoked bacon transports me to the hills of Kentucky to my Granny’s house. There is a local restaurant that has a delicious smelling air freshener that delights my senses. The smell of rain reminds me of the thunderstorms back east. Johnson’s Baby Lotion (you know the pink stuff) will always bring back memories of being a young mom rocking my precious babies.

 

Now these are just a few of my favorite scents. So to me, it makes sense that by cutting open an orange, my mood can be shifted. I get it. I enjoy the smell of an orange.

 

In Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us that we, as Christians, are an aroma. To God, we are the aroma of Christ. To some, we are the smell of death. To others, we are the fragrance of life. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

 

What makes the difference?

 

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, our lives are changed. We are changed. As we share God’s message of Jesus the Messiah and the knowledge of Christ, a sweet fragrance is released.

 

And as we continue through the transformation process, our lives become a sacrifice to God. In this, we become the aroma of Christ to God.

 

As we share the Gospel message with the world, the aroma is always sweet-smelling, however, it is received differently. To those who do not want to hear or believe the message, the result is not pleasant. Death and perishing are what is smelled.

 

But to the person who believes the Gospel message, a fragrance of life, abundant life is enjoyed.

 

Now I must admit, sometimes I know I emit a put-offing aroma. It isn’t pleasant. My attitude stinks. My behavior smells like trash. My words harsh. I can only imagine God turns His nose away when I smell like a garbage dump.

 

But because of Christ, my behavior, my words, my attitude can be changed to the sweet smell God prefers. But I can’t do it on my own. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NIV) says, “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

 

Yes, God’s Spirit within me allows the sweet fragrance of life to waft into the heavens to God. I am so thankful for this possibility.

 

So what about you? What do you smell like today? Are you allowing God’s Spirit to clean up the stinky trash in your life? Are you the aroma of Christ to God? Do others enjoy the aroma of life that you produce? Are you sharing the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ with others?

 

This world stinks. Let’s get out there and release the sweet-smelling fragrance of Christ with everyone we see today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4.

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    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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