Frittering

February 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ve been awake quite a while this morning. I woke up and started thinking of all the things I needed to get done today and what I am anticipating.

 

???????????????????????????????To start with, we have a water leak. It’s a leak that my husband couldn’t repair, so he called a plumber. We expect him to show up around 9:00 am this morning. Who knows what this little visit will entail…cost, time without water, inconvenience, etc. But I’m on top of it and ready to get it done.

 

Next, Colorado is preparing for a big snow storm. Weather reports vary, but they all agree, the entire state is going to get slammed. Obviously, I need to get provisions in for this massive storm. Probably along with lots of other people.

 

And finally, because of this storm, we moved my grandson’s birthday party to this evening (it was scheduled for Sunday…NASCAR theme…watch the Daytona 500…lots of fun for me…and him). So I am scrambling to get that set as well. But remember, I’m shopping with lots of people and will be without water for part of my day today.

 

I guess my post about being under pressure yesterday was pretty timely!

 

I know what I want to expect and what I want to anticipate today. But with so many variables, how can I possibly believe that each step of my plan will go smoothly? I can’t.

 

Isn’t that the way life is? Everything seems to be going well. You are on the right path. You are doing the right things. And then suddenly, you are sidelined by an illness, or a death, or unexpected financial burden, or loss of a job, or a broken relationship, or, well, I think you get it.

 

It’s in these times when we must rely on God and allow Him to take our burden. Tell me, do you recall these verses?

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV)

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

God doesn’t just want us to give Him our burdens and cares, but He offers some relief as well.

 

He offers peace (John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3-4).

He offers rest (Exodus 33:14; Psalm 62).

He offers strength (Isaiah 40:9; 2 Chronicles 16:9a).

He offers joy (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12).

 

When we are faced with dashed expectations or anticipations, God is able to revive us.

 

Perhaps you are facing a serious situation today. If so, why not spend a few moments with God in His Word. Speak these truths aloud. Hold tightly to the promises. Believe that God is with you. God’s Word will bring sustenance to your life and your soul.

 

I’ve frittered several hours this morning preparing lists and making plans. Now it is time to put it all into action. I must get moving if all that is to be accomplished today is in fact done. Until tomorrow, have a wonderful day filled with God’s goodness.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Under Pressure

February 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

I was feeling the pressure yesterday. I had a full day and needed to get everything on my “to do” list done. At the end of my work day, there was still one pesky item to do before I could cross it off my list. But there was one step that needed to be done before I could do so.

 

???????????????????????????????So I waited. I went to Bible study with my fabulous group of ladies. I went to the “first concert” of a dear friend and her husband. I laughed. I cried. I reconnected with old friends. And then I walked in the door at home around 9:15 pm, knowing I had to finish this one task.

 

At my computer, I sent the email with important information to a pretty large group of people at church. There. It was finished. I could cross the item off my list.

 

And then, I got a text message. There was a mistake in the email. The date was wrong. My heart plummeted. Yes, there was more work to be done, but the pressure of getting this task complete led to a mistake. I don’t like to make mistakes.

 

I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Sometimes in our lives, we are put under pressure. When it happens, we can struggle with everything we need to accomplish. All of our joy can be squeezed from us. Our patience is stretched to the limit. And we sometimes make some pretty big mistakes.

 

But let me assure you that God’s power is stronger than any pressure we might feel from the struggles we encounter.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

 

Our lives are represented by the jars of clay. They are fragile, easily chipped and some might say breakable.

 

But through the power, the all-surpassing power of God and His Gospel, we can withstand the pressures we undergo. And we can become better because of the pressure.

 

Pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and stuck down are what we can expect to encounter. But, we have the Treasure. We can counter these encounters with the ability not to be crushed, not be in despair, not feel abandoned and not be destroyed.

 

With these words of encouragement, we can face the difficult struggles of this world with confidence and power. We can survive and be useful in God’s Kingdom because of what we have become through the pressure.

 

I re-sent the email last night with the corrected date. Today, I will have to face a group of people and admit my failure. The pressure will continue…and I still have to talk to my boss about it. But I also know that regardless of what today brings, I will not wind up in a trash heap because of the pressure.

 

I’m thankful that making it through the pressures of this life is worth it all. I’m thankful for the all-surpassing power within me to do so. Bring on the pressure…with God, I can handle it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Just the Beginning

February 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

Today is the first day of Lent. This is the beginning of a 40-day period leading up to Easter. For many Christians, over the next 40 days they have made the decision to give up something.

 

???????????????????????????????Growing up, our church didn’t observe Lent, but my Catholic friends did. All I really understood about it was that they would give up candy and we would have fish for lunch every Friday. I liked fish (still do), so I liked it when Lent rolled around.

 

As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to a better understanding of what Lent is all about and how it should impact the believer.

 

During the Lent season, one is not just to give up something, but as this sacrifice is made, their relationship with Jesus is to become deeper. Over this period of time, the richness of this relationship is to become more intense. The believer is to draw closer to God.

 

Obviously, the simple act of giving up something isn’t going to deepen that relationship. Something else must be added in order for this transformation to occur. So what should be added to the life of a believer who is seeking this change in their life? Well, we should be seeking God and His will for our lives through:

 

  • Bible Reading/Study
  • Prayer
  • Scripture Memorization
  • Worship
  • Service
  • Silence and Solitude
  • Rest

 

Do you recall the words of Jesus’ half-brother James from James 4:8 (NIV)? “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” As we draw near to the One True God, our lives will be transformed. Our relationship with Him will be rekindled and revitalized. We will find spiritual growth.

 

Perhaps you haven’t thought about observing Lent or sacrificially giving up something during this time period. But maybe you should. What is the one thing that seems to stand between you and God? Is it an electronic device? Is it the television? Is it a person? A relationship? Would it be shopping? Or maybe it’s an attitude?

 

Friend, our enemy has one job. He will do anything and everything in his power to keep you from having a thriving relationship with God. His plan is to keep you preoccupied, busy or unengaged with God. The devil’s desire is for you to be a lukewarm Christian or a backslider. He does not want you to be bold in your faith and walk with the Lord.

 

So what are you going to do about it? Continue on with life as usual or will you make the commitment to draw closer to God? Will you allow the devil to pull you away from God or will you take a stand against his schemes?

 

I pray that you will take the time today to evaluate your spiritual journey. I pray that you will not allow this next 40 days to be like the last 40. Keep growing. Keep drawing closer. Keep on the path that God has set before you. Do not be moved. Easter is just around the corner and that is just the beginning!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Blue Light Special

February 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

We live in a world of busyness. There’s always something to do, some place to go or someone to meet. The weekends seem shorter because of all the running around that has to be done. It’s no wonder rest is illusive in our day in age.

 

???????????????????????????????There may be another culprit to this lack of rest. It’s called blue light. If you haven’t heard, our electronics emit this blue light and it actually suppresses the production of melatonin.

 

“Research has demonstrated that nighttime light exposure suppresses the production of melatonin, the major hormone secreted by the pineal gland that controls sleep and wake cycles.”[i]

 

So when you check your email, or read what all of your friends are doing on Facebook, or play that impossible level on CandyCrush over and over again, or even watch your favorite television program before going to bed, you are at risk of not getting a good night sleep and the rest you need.

 

Rest is important. If it weren’t, God wouldn’t have rested on the seventh day of creation and He certainly would not have told us to use the Sabbath as our own day of rest. So where can we find rest in this restless world? Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

 

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) tells us to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” We need to rest before the Lord. We need to be still before Him. In His presence, rest will be found.

 

As we walk where the “good way” is, we will also find rest. Jeremiah quoted God on this one. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…” (Jeremiah 6:16 – NIV) Rest for our souls. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? When restlessness has us in turmoil, let’s ask where the good way is and then walk it. God’s way will always be the best way.

 

Perhaps you feel as if you’ve been wronged today. This injustice is causing the inability to rest. Rest assured, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relieve to you who are troubled…” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – NIV) Although it may seem difficult or impossible, find rest in our God who is just. He will take care of what troubles you.

 

And finally, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to just do it. Just get the rest we need. Why? Because God commanded us to do so and our simple obedience will bring rest. “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11 – NIV)

 

Unfortunately, blue light and its melatonin stopping power can also cause other issues. Studies suggest that there could be an increase in the risk of cancer, it can impair the immune system, and can also lead to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and obesity. I don’t know about you, but these are health issues that I would rather stay away from.

 

I’ve given you some valuable tips from God’s Word, but how about a few for this blue light problem? If you struggle with blue light trouble, perhaps one of these solutions will help.

 

  • Avoid looking at bright screens 2-3 hours before bedtime
  • Use dim red lights for night lights
  • Wear blue-blocking glasses (amber)
  • Expose yourself to lots of natural day light[ii]
  • Use amber tones on electronic devices

 

Instead of the blue light, let’s focus on the True Light. The Light of our world is Jesus. I know for certain, there is blessed rest in Him.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How artificial light is wrecking your sleep, and what to do about it by Chris Kresser.

[ii] Blue light has a dark side by Harvard Medical School.

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“Patience” or “Lord or Patience” – Monday Musical Musings

February 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

I’ve been reading and studying the biblical account of Gideon. To be honest, I thought I knew all there was to this story. I’ve shared this story in Sunday School multiple times. I’ve told the story in Vacation Bible School. I’ve even shared the concept of asking God for assurance. But, I have come to realize that I really only knew the large-picture details of this story. There is so much more in this little three-chapter story than I have ever considered.

 

???????????????????????????????For instance, think about how patient God was toward Gideon. Patience was shown as the angel of the Lord sat under an oak tree and watched Gideon thresh wheat. Patience can be found as He listened to Gideon’s complaints. Patience was displayed as He waited for Gideon to prepare a sacrifice. Patience was shown when Gideon asked for assurance of victory in battle…not once, but twice with the fleece. Patience was extended when Gideon felt uneasy about his 300 man army.

 

That is a lot of patience. God’s patience can be seen throughout Scripture and it is extended to us today. Just stop to think where you might be without God’s patience in your life. I know I’ve been stubborn and have turned from God on many occasions. But God has been patient and has wooed me to return to Him. God’s patience and long-suffering are pretty amazing.

 

I was kind of surprised when I decided to write about God’s patience on a Monday and wasn’t able to find an abundance of songs about this characteristic of God. As a matter of fact, in all of my searching, I only found two that really hit the mark on God’s patience. So I will share both.

 

The first is a more traditional worship song. The second hip hop/rap. Take your pick. But regardless of your preference, please reflect upon God’s patience.

 

“Patience”

 

Your kindness waits with those gentle open arms

I want to be such a joy here in Your eyes

Teach me how I can give up

All of these things I have built up

 

Chorus:

Thank You for patient love

You’ve waited all these years

I see You more clearly

Than I ever have before

 

My future rests in Your watchful tenderness

I want to live to make You my one delight

Teach me how I can give up

All of these things I have built up

You give me greater meaning

Than all the things I’ve been dreaming

 

Bridge:

You won’t let me go

You amaze me everyday[i]

 

Click here to listen to Lovelite sing of God’s patience.

 

Now the second song is one that you may or may not listen to, but the lyrics are so good, I had to share. The lyrics are compelling. See if you don’t agree with me.

 

“Lord of Patience”

 

Verse 1 :

Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus

It’s because of His righteousness that we pray You receive this

Lord, you’re holy, we shouldn’t even be in Your presence

Due to our sin, we don’t deserve the least of Your blessings

 

But through the cross and believing that Jesus is risen

Even the worst of sinners can be redeemed and forgiven

I’m living proof when I say this and these are truthful statements

You’re beautiful when displaying Your unusual patience

 

You take the blasphemous- pridefully stuck in our blindness

Instead of smashing us, decided to love us with kindness

Even with unbelievers facing Your terror, You slow up

Like when You waited patiently in the era of Noah

 

We know that with You, a day is just like a thousand years

So does that mean for every sin, You cry a thousand tears?

Who can record Your graces? Adored through scores of ages

Your reward is the nations, for You are the Lord of patience

 

Chorus:

Our Sovereign God, You are

The Lord of Patience, yeah

Your wrath, Oh God, we deserve

Christ has taken, yeah

 

Gracious God, You are

Slow to anger, yeah

You’re Lord of patience and

You love us patiently

 

Verse 2:

Lord, we worship You, we know that everything we owe You

And when we reflect on the time before we came to know You

How we were unbelievers committing tons of treason

We had a hundred reasons why we wouldn’t come to Jesus

 

But they were all excuses because our thoughts were useless

That’s what the dark produces, Father, You already knew this

We were foolish and clueless, just as ruthless as Judas

Who knew that You would choose to pursue us and move to woo us

 

So after waiting with patience as we would run from You

You activated our faith so that we would come to You

Your law exposed our sin so that we would know the danger

And take refuge in the Holy Savior who’s slow to anger

 

And as our teary eyes beheld the cross of our King

We understood the true meaning of long-suffering

Who can record Your graces? Adored through scores of ages

Your reward is the nations, for You are the Lord of patience

(Chorus)

 

Verse 3:

And now that we’re in Christ, the thing that is amazing to us

Is that You still continue to display Your patience to us

Through all our stumbles and falls and our idolatry

Through all our grumbling and all of our hypocrisy

 

Our self-righteousness, with brothers and sisters we’re hostile

Our unforgiveness- all because we’re just missing the gospel

We should be slow to anger, but Your Word- we’re slow to hear it

Oh Father, help us please! We truly need Your Holy Spirit!

 

He is the only Person who can shape this fruit within us

We praise the risen Savior who is able to present us

Without an ounce of blame, with zero doubt or shame

Lord Jesus, down You came from heaven to announce Your reign

 

In the hearts of Your people, and now we have the truth

And gladly choose to praise You for all of Your attributes

Who can record Your graces? Adored through scores of ages

Your reward is the nations, for You are the Lord of patience[ii]

(Chorus)

 

If you want to listen to this song, featuring Melissa T., click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Patience,” Words and music by Andrew and Jen Polfer, Lovelite Music, 2008.

[ii] “Lord of Patience,” Words and music by Shai Linne, on the album “The Attributes of God.”

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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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