Billy Ray Visit – Day 3

September 23rd, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

Ring Tones

 

Daytona Beach 014mI love my smart phone. One of the features I love about it is that I can set specific ringtones for specific people. These ringtones were chosen carefully. They are ringtones that match a person’s personality or it might be their favorite song. When I hear a song or words, I know who is calling. It’s actually pretty exciting.

 

For instance, when my daughter Bethany was pregnant and time was getting close, the theme song to the show “Friends” would make my heart jump for joy. It still does. And here’s the list of all the others.

 

Mom – “Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let’s go racing boys!”

Dad – Theme song to “Gunsmoke”

Mason (husband) – “MacGyver” theme song

Philip (son) – “Ghostbusters” theme song

Candace (daughter) – Kamakauiuo’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Tammy (sister) – Opening words to “Days of Our Lives”

Billy (brother) – “Hawaii Five-0” theme song

Michael (brother) – Theme song to “Star Wars”

Lori (best friend) – Theme song to “Golden Girls”

 

Of course I change the regular ring tone throughout the year, well, okay just for Christmas, and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” can be heard, but the rest of the time, the theme from the “Waltons” is my ring tone.

 

If I had the time and greater understanding of each person on my contact list, I would for sure have a specific ring tone for each of them. However, that would be a much larger task than I could possibly take on. So if you happen to call me, your ring tone is the “Walton” theme song.

 

Maybe I have too much time on my hands, but this was fun. I loved picking out the perfect ringtone for each person.

 

I might say that God chose different ways to announce Himself to each person in Scripture. It was like His unique ring tone for who He was speaking to and how He wanted to get their attention.

 

God got Moses’ attention through a burning bush (Genesis 3).

 

Balaam received word from God through his donkey and an angel with sword drawn (Numbers 22:21-35).

 

Elijah heard from God in the form of a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:9b-18).

 

Mary and Joseph received news from God through an angel (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25).

 

Saul saw a blinding light and heard Jesus’ voice (Acts 9:1-19).

 

The Apostle John received God’s revelation through an angel (Revelation 1:1-3).

 

Regardless of how God appeared or presented Himself, our biblical friends knew it was Him. And here’s some good news. God still has a message for us today. We know His message will provide exactly what we need when we need it.

 

We, who are living in this present age, have God’s words and message He has given through His Scripture. The Bible is our main source of hearing God’s voice and knowing Him. If we do not know the Bible, we do not know God.

 

We also hear God’s message through those called to ministry. God’s Holy Spirit leads these people to an understanding of God’s Word and they in part share their enlightenment with others.

 

And of course, we have God’s Spirit within us to be with us along our life journey. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor (John 14:16), will teach all things and will remind us of everything we’ve learned (John 14:26), is our Helper who testifies about Jesus (John 16:26), convicts of sin (John 16:8), guides us in all truth (John 16:13), speaks what He is told (John 16:13), brings glory to Jesus (John 16:14), resides within us (Romans 8:9), and He brings good fruit to our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

God still shows up. God still calls. God is still at work. As we recognize Him, we are able to listen to what He has to say and act upon it.

 

I pray that as you go through your day today that you’ll stop to listen for God along the way. Hear what He has to say to you and act upon it. He has something special to tell you. Let’s just start with, “I love you! God”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 2

September 22nd, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

Wildfire

 

Wildfires strike in Colorado quite often. The combination of the dry climate, windy conditions, weather occurrences or sometimes careless behavior can spark a fire that spreads quickly. When the authorities issue a burn ban, there is a reason and their instructions should be followed.

 

???????????????????????????????Several years ago, a fire swept through an area that holds great memories for me. In the small community of Gold Hill is a small, rustic restaurant that serves a delicious six-course meal for an affordable price.

 

I take out of state guests, family, and close friends to this restaurant quite often, but I have been there with my brother Billy more times than any other person. It is our special time when he visits.

 

As usual, on a recent visit, we headed to Gold Hill. It was the first time I had been through the canyon since the fires. Tears filled my eyes as I drove through the distorted landscape. Nothing looked the same. Homes were destroyed. Trees were blackened. It was so different from previous trips.

 

Fire can be beneficial to forests. That is the purpose of prescribed burns. It clears out some of the underbrush and allows for new growth.

 

Native plants, trees, and grasses have a natural way to cope with fires. They endure the flames and heat and then regrowth begins. Some grow new leaves or needles. Some re-sprout from their roots. And some have fire resistant seeds that sprout during the fire.

 

After a fire, it is important to assess the damage of trees. Then check the soil for damage. Sometimes it’s necessary to prune a tree. And after all these steps are taken, it’s important to water and fertilize the tree.

 

Through this process land can regain its beauty and functionality. Oh it takes time, but in the end, the process and time are worth it.

 

In our spiritual lives, trials sweep through like a wildfire. In Scripture, we can see that through these times, we can be refined and purified.

 

If you have gone through a difficult situation, you can follow the same steps for restoring a forest after a wildfire.

 

Assess the damage of the tree. In our lives, we can see what the damage from the trial has done to us emotionally and physically. If we know what we have to work with, we can create a plan to move ahead. Spend time with God asking for His help and guidance with this process and with the work that is needed.

 

Assess the damage of the soil. What or who is around you? Is it a supportive or damaging environment? Would you be able to receive the needed nourishment from this environment? If these questions are not answered in a positive way, pray that God will move to change the situation for your benefit.

 

Prune. Examine your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to examine your life. What needs to be pruned? Anything that is contrary to God’s Word must be stripped away. Fill the void with Scripture. Allow God’s Word to comfort you through this time.

 

Finally, water and fertilize. Seeking God through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His Church will help to begin the re-growth process. Gain as much godly instruction, encouragement, and guidance as possible. With God, you will become beautiful and purposeful within His kingdom once again. And to be honest, you’ll be better than ever.

 

1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

 

Now that makes suffering worthwhile. God himself, restoring.

 

On the wall of the Gold Hill Inn are pictures of the fires. The pictures were taken outside the Inn and the fire was just up the ridge. They show just how close the fires came to this small community.

 

It is a reminder that we never know what might be on the other side of the mountain, but when God is on our side. It doesn’t matter. He will lead us. He will guide us. And He will restore us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Billy Ray Visit – Day 1

September 21st, 2014 dsisler

 

My brother will be visiting this week. My husband and I have taken vacation and we plan to enjoy our time together.

 

I will be sharing an older blog post each day this week. I have found enough blog posts that mention my brother Billy Ray, so you will get to know him a little as we laugh the days away.

 

Since today is Sunday, you already get a repeat. Today I’m jumping ahead in the A to Z challenge to the letter “P.” Enjoy the day in God’s presence!

 

Priceless – Blogging from A to Z

 

My brother Billy comes to visit us each year. The week always brings memorable moments, but the one that we will remember from his most recent trip was a fishing outing for my brother and my six year old granddaughter, Joy.

 

Billy & Joy (22)mIt started with preparation several days before. A fishing rod was purchased. A weight added to the end of the fishing line. Lessons on casting. Hours of practice. All of this was done before we ever got to the lake.

 

Joy would stand in our driveway and cast her line across the street. One time, the weight stuck in a crevice in the road. She proudly proclaimed, “I caught the road!” And at one point, a car drove by as she cast her line, and again she announced, “I caught a car!”

 

Finally, Friday came. It was time to take Joy fishing. Billy was so excited and could hardly wait.

 

The lines were prepared. And then the first cast. Joy and Billy were fishing. Side-by-side. Life was perfect. It was priceless!

 

Except that Joy found other things to occupy her little mind and body.

 

There were boats. There were birds. There were rocks. There was water.

 

The fishing pole and bobber were checked only when reminded.

 

Billy on the other hand, was perfectly content to be standing on the side of the lake with a pole in hand. Of course, having Joy there made it priceless. It was a day he will not soon forget.

 

God gives us little snippets of priceless advice, encouragement, or direction in His Word. Sometimes we know exactly where to go to find them. Other times, we stumble upon them and wonder why we hadn’t seen them before. Or perhaps someone shares a section of Scripture with us.

 

Regardless of how we find these priceless words, learning from them is more important. Adding the wisdom to our lives makes the difference.

 

I have several lists of “go to” Scriptures that I like to keep handy. These lists give examples of verses that are relevant in certain situations. The list I use more than others is the “truthful labels” list. So here are a few priceless pieces of Scripture to encourage you today.

 

I AM a New Creation – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)

 

I AM Forgiven – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)

 

I AM God’s Delight – “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 – NIV)

 

I AM Confident – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6- NIV)

 

I AM an Heir of God – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17 – NIV)

 

I AM Assured of a Home in Heaven Forever – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20 – NIV)

 

These are just a few…there are many more. Abundantly more. We simply need to be open to God’s priceless words.

 

Vacation week with my brother is always a good time, but far too often, the week flies by far too quickly. But each week spent with Billy are always filled with good times, great memories, and priceless adventures. What more could we ask for?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Labels

September 20th, 2014 dsisler

 

We’ve been hearing messages from the Book of Ephesians on Sunday morning at church. We’re learning that sometimes we place labels on ourselves that are false and what glorious labels we have received from God. It’s been a great message series.

 

???????????????????????????????In March of this year, I made the decision to lead the study “Me, Myself and Lies” by Jennifer Rothschild. This particular study was a life-changer for me several years ago, so I wondered if it might not make a difference in another woman’s life. I believe I was right. There are 17 of us going through this study. And it just so happens, this week we are looking at labels.

 

While there are too many to list here, I’d like to share some of Mrs. Rothschild’s truthful labels she points us toward in her study. Perhaps you may not believe some of these labels. Maybe one or two may resonate with you, but you just don’t believe the rest. Well, if you think that, you need a thought closet makeover!

 

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am gifted with power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

I am chosen to be fruitful (John 15:16)

I am secure (Romans 6:18; Romans 8:1)

I am spiritually alive (Ephesians 2:5)

I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I am welcome in God’s presence (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16)

I am sheltered and protected in God (Colossians 3:3)

I am God’s treasure (1 Peter 2:9-10)

I am being transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18)

I am a friend of God (John 15:15)

I am God’s delight (Zephaniah 3:17)[i]

 

I am so thankful for the labels I have through Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would be anything but the list above.

 

But here is the bigger truth. Each of these labels belongs to you in Christ Jesus. There is no reason to feel otherwise. We must not listen to the father of lies (John 8:44). We must listen to our Father’s truth. And this is just a partial list!

 

Today, let’s walk confidently in God’s truth. Let’s believe what He says and grasp the message He tells us. What labels will you believe?

 

Grace and truth be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Me, Myself, and Lies,” Jennifer Rothschild, LifeWay Press, 2008, page 36.

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Text Messages

September 19th, 2014 dsisler

 

I have learned to write down everything that is important enough for me to remember. In the past, there were sticky notes all over my computer or desk to remind me of what needed to be done. How things have changed.

 

sunsetAt work, I use Evernote to keep track of what needs to be done. The great part about this tool is that I can share folders. I keep each bullet point updated and Shan is able to see what I’m doing as well as stay in the know. It’s been a great tool for our working relationship.

 

There are also virtual sticky notes to place on computers and there’s even an app for cell phones. I haven’t found them to be as useful, but still they are a good reminder of those quick things that need attention.

 

But there are times when I hear something or want to write something down while away from my computer or paper and pen, I pull out my trusty cell phone and send myself a text message.

 

I ran through some of the text messages to myself. Here are a few of the snippets I found that don’t make any sense.

 

  • “Can’t do it on line because they need the rocket.” (What does that really mean???)
  • “I got a pencil army is on my always buy mine.” (auto spelling really got this one wrong…it was supposed to say The God of angel armies is always by my side…close.)
  • “Morning new morning his new every morning Julie com with the Donnie the best part of waking up.” (I have no idea what this is supposed to mean)
  • “Nature box save.”

 

Some of my texts are practical.

 

  • “Ended work at 12:45.”
  • “Pretzel mix, coffee filters, tea bags, steak, marinade, potatoes, string cheese, measuring cup.” (what a grocery list!)
  • “Lumber Lock and Lucas Slick Mist Wax.” (must have been gift ideas)
  • “6:30 Rachel Twisted Scissors” (reminder of a hair appointment…I guess I didn’t think I could put it on my calendar???)

 

Some I thought I would use in writing along the way.

 

  • “Light, reflection, refraction, prism, convex, and concave.”
  • “Beware of…well, just beware.”
  • “Growth comes from continuous effort. – Ford sign”
  • “Won’t stain when you miss our mouth. – Rock Water”
  • “I must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world. -Lysa TerKeurst”

 

And then there are song titles to use.

 

  • “God so Loved the World”
  • “Glorious One”
  • “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”
  • “Oceans”

 

And let’s not forget the verses of Scripture that I needed to be reminded of.

 

  • “Genesis 1:1.”
  • “Psalm 16:11.”
  • “Psalm 91:1.”
  • “Isaiah 43:2-3.”
  • “2 Corinthians 4:16.”

 

There are addresses, websites, phone numbers, and names. I think there are even some meeting minutes.

 

I’d like to remind you that God sends messages to you on a regular basis. We see His message in creation. We see His message in people. We see His message in music. We see His message in our own lives.

 

Most importantly we see God’s message through Scripture.

 

Maybe the message God would like for you to hear today is listed above. Maybe it isn’t. When you listen for God’s message and are open to His words, it will be the perfect message for you. There won’t be any misspellings. There won’t be grammatical errors. God’s message and His timing are perfect.

 

I can’t wait to see what God has to say to me today!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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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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