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December 2nd, 2014 dsisler

 

I walked through my front door yesterday morning at 8:10 am. It was a beautiful moment. While I loved being with my Ohio family and wouldn’t trade a single minute there, I missed home. I love the feeling that washes over me when I arrive home. My safe haven. My familiar place. The beauty, the scents, the security, the ways of home.

 

???????????????????????????????And yet, things have changed here at home. My daughter put up my Christmas trees while I was away. No decorations, but they are covered in lights and that makes me very happy. As I look out my office window there is change as well. Neighbors have put up outdoor Christmas decorations and again, that makes me happy.

 

But here’s the important thing for me to remember today. It doesn’t matter where I am or who I’m with to be at home with God. Yes, He asks me to do some of the familiar things in my life such as meet with Him regularly and study His Word. But God also asks me to change. To be transformed by what I study.

 

Maybe you’ve heard Lisa TerKeurst say this. “We need to be more than just Bible study girls.” There must be transformation as we read and study God’s Word. We must be changed. We must become more and more like Jesus.

 

Paul mentioned transformation to the Corinthian believers. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)

 

As we are transformed into God’s likeness, we reflect His glory. And notice that it’s an ongoing process. We are “being” transformed. That’s why continual Bible study is important. Through His own words, God will show us where we need transformation to take place.

 

Paul also mentioned transformation to the Roman believers. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV)

 

Renewed minds will move us closer to being the transformed people of God who are continually seeking God’s will for our lives. When our will is taken out of the equation, God is able to use us in mighty ways.

 

If you don’t believe me, just look at the lives of Joseph. Of Daniel. Of Mary or Joseph. Of Esther. Of Paul. These men and women allowed God’s will to permeate their lives and did what God asked of them. They were transformed by God’s Spirit and God was able to use them.

 

Maybe today you need to be transformed. Transformed from your former self into God’s glorious image. If that is the case, spend time with God. Allow Him to point you in the direction you need to move. Study His words. He will provide all that you need.

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 – NIV)

 

As I sit in my familiar home office this morning I’m reminded of the tune from My Fair Lady, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” I don’t know, I like the familiar “face” of home. The smiles, the frowns, the ups and downs. The joys, the woes, the highs and lows. These are all things that I love about home.

 

Oh, I miss the people that I left behind in Ohio. More than I could possibly express, but my heart is there, so home is there as well. It sure is good to be home.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Thanksgiving Break – Day 12

December 1st, 2014 dsisler

 

I will be visiting my Ohio family for Thanksgiving this year. While I’m away, I’ll be sharing some older blog posts about music…long before there was March Musical Musings or Monday Musical Musings I wrote about music. So enjoy these pieces and I’ll see you on December 2! Just in time for some Christmas posts!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Why Should I Worry or Fret?

 

There’s an old Gaither tune called, “I Believe.” The verses speak of the things the author believed. Then the chorus sums it all up. Do you remember this song?

 

I Believe

 

He holds the future in the palm of His Hand;
And He has never failed me yet.
I know He’s leading and still has control;
So why should I worry or fret?

 

He said that He’d go with me and protect me each day;
And brother, I’ve no reason to doubt.
He’s been so near me every step of the way;
And God will surely lead His children on out.

 

There are some people who live each day in fear;
Of what tomorrow may bring.
But I’m trusting in One who is walking so near;
I’m talking ’bout the King of all kings.

 
I know He holds the future and I know He holds my hand.
I know just as sure as I’m singing this song,
I’m a part of His almighty plan.

 

I believe, I believe, I believe.
So why should I worry or fret?[i]

 

IMAG1492If we claim to believe all that this song says, why do we worry? Why do we fret? Why do we allow fear to gain control of our lives? I think it is different for each person, but what I am certain of is that God does not want us to worry. He urges us not to fret. He tells us not to be afraid. So perhaps we should find out what God says about this area of our lives.

 

Matthew 6:25-34 records Jesus’ discourse on the topic. His conclusion is “do not worry.” Do not worry about your life or your future. Because in reality, nothing comes from worrying. At least nothing good. Some physical issues can be the result of worrying.

 

And what does Jesus say to do instead of worrying? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV) Staying busy with God’s work will keep our minds off of the issues we worry about.

 

This same discourse can be found in Luke 12:22-34. In this passage, another way to keep from worrying is by helping the poor. Giving to the poor to be exact. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34 – NIV) If our hearts are concerned for others, it will not have time to be worrying.

 

What are we to do instead of worrying? Philippians 4:6 (NIV) gives us some insight. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We are not to worry about anything. Instead, we are to pray.

 

This verse also says we are to be thankful. If we have thankful hearts, there won’t be space for worry.

 

We can also meditate upon God’s Words. David shares his thoughts on this in Psalm 119:97 (NIV). “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” If we are meditating on God’s Word all day long, when will we have time to worry?

 

Perhaps you’ve heard this before. If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. Get the connection? Use what you’ve learned about worrying and convert it into meditation of Scripture.

 

So what are some benefits to not worrying? Philippians 4:7 (NIV) says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” First we see God’s peace will come upon us. There is nothing like His peace. It’s something we cannot understand, but when we have His peace, there is absolutely no reason to worry.

 

Second, our hearts and minds will be guarded against the temptation to worry. With this added bonus, worry should be eliminated from our vocabulary.

 

I know how easy it is to get into worry mode. We are human. We are parents. We are children of aging parents. We are unemployed. We are travelers. We are control freaks. We are _________ (you fill in the blank). But God clearly tells us not to worry. Because He wants us to put our faith and trust in Him. Not ourselves.

 

I believe the words to the tune above, particularly these words. “I know He holds the future and I know He holds my hand. I know just as sure as I’m singing this song, I’m a part of His almighty plan.” He’s got it. There’s no need for me to interfere in His plan. Especially with a little thing called worry.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] I Believe, Gaither Trio

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Thanksgiving Break – Day 11

November 30th, 2014 dsisler

 

I will be visiting my Ohio family for Thanksgiving this year. While I’m away, I’ll be sharing some older blog posts about music…long before there was March Musical Musings or Monday Musical Musings I wrote about music. So enjoy these pieces and I’ll see you on December 2! Just in time for some Christmas posts!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Through It All

 

Life has a way of turning sour. Illness creeps in. Financial burdens mount. Hopelessness overwhelms. Turmoil swirls. Death invades. Heartache envelopes.

 

Life has been tough for so many these past few years. I’ve been searching for work nearly 2 ½ years myself. It hasn’t been easy.

 

I’m so blessed to have a husband with a wonderful, secure job. It’s allowed me to work on my writing and bless others by volunteering my time more than I ever could if were working. Of course, I’ve continued to search for that elusive job…but to date, still have found nothing.

 

I know you’ve heard this phrase before. “God will not give you more than you can handle.” It’s the catch-all phrase folks love to use for whatever situation they find themselves in. They’ll share this if they encounter someone with a burden or hardship. Perhaps for someone going through the grief process. Or even in searching for a job.

 

But I’d like to share a passage from 2 Corinthians that contradicts this phrase. I believe this passage points us in the direction God would have us go and it gives us a better understanding of how we should deal with any struggle.

 

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 – NIV)

 

Did you catch it? Paul said that what he had encountered was far beyond his ability to endure. Doesn’t sound like the phrase above, does it?

 

But the great part of this passage is that Paul learned a great lesson through it all. That he was to depend upon God, not himself. It is a lesson that we need to learn as well.

 

And Paul would never underestimate the power of prayer from his group of prayer warriors. When their prayers were answered, praise could be given to God for His gracious favor. What a great example for us to follow.

 

Perhaps the phrase, “God will not give you more than you can handle” comes from the passage of Scripture about temptation.

 

We find this passage in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:11 – NIV)

 

There it is…“beyond what you can bear.” And if you’ll notice, God shows up in this area of our lives too. He is willing to help us as we are dependent upon Him instead of ourselves.

 

Perhaps this is a hard lesson for us to learn because some of you reading this blog have been through some horrible experiences. Some are dealing with pain as you read this and wonder how you’ll ever survive it. It really is beyond what you are able to handle.

 

God is your answer.

 

I’m not writing this to discourage you. I’m sharing this important message to encourage you. Encourage you to run to Jesus and let Him take it. All of it.

 

God’s grace is all-sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

We find strength in Jesus when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:10).

 

In the midst of my situation, I’ve learned to lean upon God more. I’ve learned to be less dependent upon myself. I’ve learned to run to God with my troubles. It’s been a rewarding 2 ½ years and I’ve grown spiritually because of my experience.

 

I’m reminded of an old song from the 70’s, “Through It All.”[i] Maybe you’ll find some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone through it all. God is beside you.

 

I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

 

I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own.

 

I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I’d never had a problem,
I wouldn’t know God could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.

 

Chorus:
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

 

Perhaps it’s time for you to come to the same conclusion.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Through it All, Words and Music by Andrae Crouch, copyright 1971, Manna Music, Inc.

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Thanksgiving Break – Day 10

November 29th, 2014 dsisler

 

I will be visiting my Ohio family for Thanksgiving this year. While I’m away, I’ll be sharing some older blog posts about music…long before there was March Musical Musings or Monday Musical Musings I wrote about music. So enjoy these pieces and I’ll see you on December 2! Just in time for some Christmas posts!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

The Robin Nest

 

Last spring, a young robin chose an aspen tree in our front yard to build her nest. She was diligent in her work. Her desire was to have the best possible environment for her babies to live.

 

IMAG1492She was successful! The nest was built and then she waited. Waited for the time to lay her eggs.

 

She was successful yet again! She laid three perfect, blue eggs and then she waited. Waited for the babies to hatch.

 

This was probably the longest few weeks of her life. She sat and patiently kept watch over the little ones.

 

She encountered some obstacles during this time. There were storms. Big spring storms that nearly pushed the tree to the ground. One of her eggs could have fallen out of the nest or even worse, the entire nest could have fallen. But Mrs. Robin sat on that nest. She stood (or sat) firmly over her precious eggs.

 

She constantly protected her eggs. The tree she chose is not that old or large. Neighborhood cats, snakes, or other wild animals could easily have snatched one or all of her precious little ones. She needed to watch continuously for those dangers.

 

The day came when the birds began to break through the egg shells. One by one, these tiny ones poked their heads out and let their mother know they were alive, well, and hungry!

 

Her task was not complete. She tirelessly searched for food to feed these little ones. She continued to protect them from danger. She cared for them as diligently as she possibly could be. She was the best mama these tiny robins could have asked for.

 

As I watched this process, I often thought of how God cares for us. Specifically, how He protects us in His everlasting arms or under His wings.

 

In Psalm 17:8, David prays that God might “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Oh how wonderful! Being the apple of God’s eye. Because I am so special to Him, I know the protection found under His wings is all that I could possibly need.

 

We also see from Deuteronomy 33:27a that, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” In His arms we have refuge. In His arms we find protection. With God, we are in the shelter of His loving arms.

 

Mom’s minister stopped by this week to visit and he read Psalm 17:8 and sang a bit of the old hymn, Under His Wings. It was a great reminder of God’s constant care for us throughout our struggles.

 

“Under His Wings”

 

Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Tho the night deepens and tempests are wild;

Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me and I am His child.

 

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!

How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

 

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

 

Chorus:

Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.[i]

 

When it was time for the babies to fly away, Mrs. Robin was there to watch them leave the nest. She had done her job. She had completed her task.

 

God is diligently watching out for us, protecting us, covering us. Even more so because we are His beloved.

 

Life is so much easier within the arms of our heavenly Father. Regardless of your struggle today, run into His arms. Find rest, peace, and comfort under His wings. I can guarantee that you will find all that you’ve been looking for.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Under His Wings, William O. Cushing, Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs No. 1, published in 1896.

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Thanksgiving Break – Day 9

November 28th, 2014 dsisler

 

I will be visiting my Ohio family for Thanksgiving this year. While I’m away, I’ll be sharing some older blog posts about music…long before there was March Musical Musings or Monday Musical Musings I wrote about music. So enjoy these pieces and I’ll see you on December 2! Just in time for some Christmas posts!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Shelter in Place – Blogging A to Z

 

This past week has brought some great tragedies as well as some great victories. For those who are struggling through the healing process in Boston, my heart and prayers are stretched your way. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering you bear. For those who have lost a loved one this past week, I pray for strength and comfort as you deal with this loss.

 

As the events of last week developed, a phrase was repeated on Friday for those living in the Boston area. Shelter in place. For these communities, this phrase meant to remain inside. Keep doors locked. Not to answer the door unless it was a uniformed or well identified officer. Report any suspicious behavior.

 

While I would never suggest I understand what they were feeling, I might venture a guess. Perhaps fear. Perhaps uncertainty. Perhaps frustration. Perhaps anger. Perhaps loss of control.

 

These would be justifiable feelings during a day of violence in the streets of a city or town. And perhaps, there were even more emotions I cannot comprehend.

 

I heard this phrase during the day as I sat close to my television, my mind continued to dwell upon God and the shelter that I have in Him through the storms of my own life. I am certain I would feel many of the above emotions on a daily basis if I weren’t sheltered in His care.

 

So today, I offer some wonderful visions of being sheltered by God. I pray that you’ll find peace, comfort, safety and perhaps joy as you read through the following passages.

 

Deuteronomy 33:27a (NIV) tells us, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” In His arms we have refuge. In His arms we find protection. With God, we are in the shelter of His loving arms.

 

In Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV), David shares these words. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” This is one of my favorite verses about being sheltered. Knowing that I can trust my God in times of trouble to shelter me is very reassuring.

 

David certainly knew about God’s shelter and protection and asked for it frequently. In Psalm 5:11 (NIV), David rejoiced in God’s refuge. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” We can rejoice in God’s protection as well, because we love His name!

 

Another passage in which David praised God for protection is Psalm 32:7 (NIV). He says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When we hide from our enemies within the shelter of God’s protection, we will be delivered.

 

We read in Psalm 31:28 (NIV) that when we act justly and are faithful, God protects and is faithful to us. “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.” Oh and don’t forget our shelter is there for our protection forever!

 

And finally in Psalm 40:11 (NIV), David says, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.” God’s love and truth always protect. What a promise!

 

I pray that these passages are as comforting to you as they are to me. The world we live in belongs to the evil one and that means there will be trouble here. But as we look to God, we know we are within His sheltering arms. We certainly can shelter in place with Him.

 

If you are waking this morning to fear and anxiety in your life, why not give it all to God? There may be consequences, but you can have peace and be sheltered in God’s loving arms in the midst of these troubling times. You’ve tried it your way, why not try it God’s? It is worth a try.

 

For those of us who are already sheltered in God’s arms, let’s keep these verses close to our hearts. They will continue to remind us that He is sheltering us. We have no reason to fear.

 

I’m reminded of a song…perhaps you know it. “Forever Reign.”[i]

 

You are good You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting

[Chorus]
Oh I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I’m made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I’m letting go

[Repeat Chorus]

My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus
Jesus

 

If you’d like to listen to this beautiful melody, click here to hear Hillsong’s version of this song.

 

Thanks for stopping by this morning. Don’t forget, I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Forever Reign, Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram, 2010

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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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